History of Rajpurohit

The Rajpurohits are a specific independent caste known as Rajguru Purohits, distinct from Brahmin Purohits. The customs and traditions of this society are similar to those of the Rajput society. Their marriage practices, while resembling those of the Rajputs, are remnants of the ancient powerful systems. They adhere to the Hindu Rishi Gotra (lineage) system but prioritize their clan Gotras.

Historically, this society gained recognition as a feudal community that played a leading and crucial role in countless wars and strategies. Socially, this community is highly respected and is considered good leaders with a judicial character. Internally, this community practices a strong social discipline, which accounts for its high social acceptance in Rajasthani society.

The Rajpurohits also revere a significant number of folk deities and Bhomiyas or Khetpals (local guardian spirits). They maintain strong emotional connections with their ancestors, Sati Matas (venerated women who immolated themselves), and Jhunjar warriors.

They have had a significant influence in the Marwar, Bikaner, Godwar, and Mewar regions, where they have always played a leading role in various capacities.

Their own Dholis (drummers), Damamis (musicians), and Bhats (genealogists/bards) sing their praises as Shubhrajs, mostly connected to their clans. This community has acted as patrons for these dependent communities.

The dialect of the Rajpurohits is regarded as highly respectful and ornate, where respect for the listener is paramount. The use of informal pronouns is strictly prohibited. This dialect is classified as the language of the royal court.

The Rajpurohit community has followed the Shaiva (Shiva-worshipping) and Shakti (Goddess-worshipping) traditions since ancient times. Over time, their beliefs became associated with the martial representation of the Vaishnava tradition, where temples of Charbhuja Nath Ji (a martial form of Vishnu) are found in their villages. Their mutual greeting is “Jai Shri Rughnath Nath Ji Ri Sa”, connected to the martial aspect of Lord Rama.

Ancestor worship is central to this community. The worship of Sati Mata Ji and Bhomiya Ji is an integral part of their way of life, relating to their martial culture.

Religiously, the position of Rajpurohit has been regarded as strategic. Dev Guru Brihaspati was the Rajpurohit of the gods, who fought wars for them and played a leading role in peace treaties. Initially, this position was held by Rishis associated with ancient traditions, who were defined as Raj Rishis or Brahma Rishis. During the Mahabharata period, Guru Dronacharya was the Rajpurohit of the Kauravas.

Rajpurohits were often involved in teaching, warfare, and scholarship. Unlike Brahmin purohits, who held positions dependent on the king’s favor, Rajguru Purohits were state strategists, whose responsibilities were dedicated to the state as a whole, not merely the king. On many occasions, Rajpurohits even revolted against ruling powers.

The Rajpurohit society was highly significant in the medieval period, not only participating in numerous wars but also acquiring many Jagirs and land through their bravery and courage.

This community is often confused with the Brahmin caste due to class ambiguity. However, historically, Rajpurohits emerged as an independent martial feudal community during the early and medieval periods (3rd–19th century). From time to time, different clans served as strategic Rajguru Purohits for various empires.

Rajpurohits were also known as good cultivators, often fighting for water, land, and cattle. Importantly, the Rajpurohit society is a strictly vegetarian martial community, a unique cultural feature worldwide.

They experienced a significant rise in political power during the Rathore kingdom, where they held Jagirdaris. The ancient power of Pali remained in the hands of the Paliwal Rajpurohits for a long period.

The community consists of numerous Gotras and sub-Gotras, such as Sevad, Mannana, Jagarwal, Raigur, Rajguru, and others. During marriages, clan Gotras are given precedence over Rishi Gotras, following a unique cross-marriage system, distinct from Brahmin customs.

The Rajpurohit community has a relatively low population, estimated at 700,000–800,000 (7–8 lakhs). They are mainly concentrated in western Rajasthan and in limited numbers across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana. A small section also resides in Sindh, Pakistan, though their numbers remain uncertain.

In Rajasthan, Rajpurohits are found in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Sirohi, Jalore, Barmer, Pali, Nagaur, Ajmer, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh.

Currently, the community faces declining birth rates and delayed marriages, leading to a continuous decrease in population, which is considered a critical concern.