Damaji Harpalot | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Damaji Harpalot was a 15th-century Rajpurohit military general, diplomat, and key political figure associated with the courts of Rao Ranmal of Mewar and later Rao Jodha of Marwar. He played a significant role in the Rathore resurgence in Marwar following the assassination of Rao Ranmal and contributed both militarily and diplomatically to the foundation of the Jodhpur Kingdom. He also played a key role in the negotiation of royal marriage alliances and inter-dynastic treaties during a period of political transition in Rajasthan.

Damaji Harpalot emerged as a prominent figure during the rule of Rao Ranmal, the Rathore ruler who briefly controlled Mewar as regent. Known for his political intelligence and battlefield experience, Damaji was entrusted with sensitive missions and diplomatic responsibilities, including interactions with the Sisodiya rulers of Mewar.

According to regional oral traditions and bardic records, Damaji Harpalot was dispatched by Rao Ranmal to propose a marriage between Ranmal's sister, Hansabai, and Rao Chunda, heir to the Mewar throne. However, Rana Lakha, father of Chunda, expressed his own desire to marry Hansabai, creating a political and dynastic dilemma.

Damaji diplomatically proposed a condition to resolve the conflict:

“Only the son born from this union shall become the Maharana of Mewar.”

Rao Chunda, upholding familial and dynastic loyalty, declined the marriage and accepted the condition. As a result, Rana Lakha married Hansabai, and their son Rana Mokal later ascended to the throne of Mewar. This episode is considered an important moment in Rajput succession politics and highlights Damaji’s diplomatic acumen.

After the assassination of Rao Ranmal at Chittorgarh Fort, Damaji Harpalot orchestrated the escape of Bhim Chundawat (Rao Ranmal's brother and Rao Jodha’s uncle) and other Rathore family members. In exchange for their release, Damaji voluntarily submitted himself to imprisonment by the Sisodiyas.

He later secured his own release by paying five lakh rupees, a significant amount at the time. His actions contributed to the survival of key Rathore leaders and helped lay the groundwork for the Rathore military resurgence in Marwar.

Damaji continued to support Rao Jodha, the son of Rao Ranmal, during his efforts to reclaim Marwar. His military leadership was instrumental in securing victories that led to the eventual establishment of Jodhpur in 1459 CE. Damaji's involvement spanned not only military engagements but also strategic and political planning.

In recognition of his loyal service, **Rao Jodha granted Damaji Harpalot the estate of Tinwari Thikana, one of the largest jagirs in the Marwar kingdom. The estate included several villages and became a prominent seat of Rajpurohit authority and military leadership under Damaji’s descendants.

Damaji Harpalot is credited with building the Gangshyamji Temple at Tinwari Thikana, which became both a spiritual center and a symbol of Rajpurohit heritage in the region. The temple reflects the architectural style of the period and continues to hold cultural significance.

During Damaji’s tenure at Tinwari, the Maharawal of Jaisalmer is documented to have visited Tinwari Thikana and stayed there as a guest. The visit underlined Damaji’s stature and Tinwari’s strategic importance within Rajputana’s network of alliances and hospitality traditions.

Damaji also played a mediating role in the Āwāl-Bāwāl ki Sandhi, a peace treaty believed to have been negotiated between factions in Mewar and Marwar. The terms helped de-escalate hostilities in a time of widespread conflict. The name “Āwāl-Bāwāl” symbolized the confusion and instability of the region, and Damaji's efforts were aimed at establishing temporary peace and order.

Damaji Harpalot is remembered in Rajput oral traditions, bardic accounts, and local history as a warrior-statesman who helped shape the early political landscape of 15th-century Rajasthan. His legacy continues in the traditions of Tinwari Thikana, and in the stories of diplomacy, sacrifice, and loyalty preserved by both Marwar and Mewar lineages.