Guman Singh Akherajot | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Thakur Guman Singh Rajpurohit was the son of Thakur Daulat Singh Rajpurohit of Thikana Tinwari in Marwar. Belonging to the Sevad clan of Rajpurohits, he served Jodhpur State with loyalty and valor during the reigns from Maharaja Vijay Singh Rathore (1752–1793) to Maharaja Man Singh Rathore (1803–1843).

The Rajpurohits were a warrior-priest-diplomatic community who often acted as protectors of their rulers. Guman Singh upheld this tradition, gaining respect both at the Jodhpur court and within his clan.

During the reign of Maharaja Man Singh, Marwar was under constant threat from Pindari raiders, largely Muslim mercenary groups who plundered kingdoms across central and western India. The Pindaris often forced rulers to pay large sums of money as protection, promising not to raid their territories.

Initially, Marwar complied, but later, the officials of Maharaja Man Singh resisted further payments. In retaliation, the Pindari leader dispatched a Pathan officer with 25–30 armed soldiers to Jodhpur to demand money and intimidate the Maharaja’s administration.

On Asoj Sudi 7, Samvat 1872 (1815 CE), this group entered Mehrangarh Fort and confronted Diwan Indraraj Sindhi over the issue of kharchee (payment).

At that moment, Maharaja Man Singh was inside the Moti Mahal, accompanied by Ayas Nath Ji and Thakur Guman Singh Rajpurohit.

• The Maharaja first sent Ayas Nath Ji to pacify the Pathans, then asked Thakur Guman Singh to go as well.

• The argument escalated. The Pathan officer signaled his soldiers, who immediately opened fire.

• Diwan Indraraj Sindhi and Ayas Nath Ji were shot dead on the spot.

At this critical juncture, Guman Singh Rajpurohit drew his katar (dagger) and leapt into the fray. He struck five deadly blows on the Pathan officer standing near him, killing him instantly.

However, Guman Singh was also struck by a musket shot. Wounded and staggering, he managed to reach as far as Surajpol Gate before collapsing. He attained martyrdom, giving his life in defense of his ruler and the honor of Marwar.

When objections were raised about taking his and Indraraj Ji’s bodies outside the fort for cremation, Maharaja Man Singh himself declared:

“Rajguru Purohit Ji is my Guru, and Diwan Indraraj Ji is my second self.
Their sacrifice must be honored without question.”

This statement reflected the Maharaja’s immense respect for Guman Singh’s loyalty and sacrifice.

Maharaja Man Singh Rathore himself composed dohas (couplets) to honour Thakur Guman Singh’s heroism. These verses not only celebrated his courage but also drew parallels with Marwar’s earlier legendary hero Amar Singh Rathore, who in the Mughal court of Agra killed Salawat Khan with his dagger.

1. पांच कटारी पठाणरे, गठ में जड़ी गुमान ।
   प्रोहित थारा पांणने, जांणे सकल जहान ।।।
   “Five thrusts of the dagger, Guman struck into the Pathan’s chest.
   The world now knows the unmatched bravery of the Rajpurohit’s hands.”

2. एक कटारी आगरे, हद वाही अमरेश ।
   यों ही गढ़ जोधाण में, गजब जड़ी गुमनेश ।।
   “As Amar Singh’s dagger once flashed in Agra’s court,
   So too in Jodhpur fort, Guman’s dagger thundered with glory.”

3. तुर्को कयो तिंवरी धणी, बड़ो प्रोंहित बलवान ।
   पाड़ पठांण पछ पड़ियों, गढ़ पर अमर गुमान ।।
   “The Turks were struck down by Tinwari’s master, the mighty Rajpurohit.
   The Pathans fell behind him, and in the fort Guman became immortal.”

4. मुछां राखी मरोड़, गढ़ पति नर गंमानसी ।
   सेवड़ रण सिरमौड़, अखे नृप मान सी आप ।।
   “Twisting his moustache with pride, Guman stood like the crown jewel of warriors,
   The Sewad Rajpurohit became the crown jewel of warriors."
   

5. अनवी नस राखी ऊंची, भिड़ हिंषी नह भाखी।
   गढ़ री लाज गुमानसी, रजवट रुड़ी राखी ।।
   “He held the noble lineage high, never shrinking from the clash of steel.
   Guman saved the honour of the fort, upholding Rajput tradition.”

6. ओकर पाछौ आव, गढ़ रुसाळा गुमानसी ।
   पायो मरण पसाव, अलबेलो अखमालोत ।।
   “Behind him came the wave of courage, resounding in the fort.
   In his noble death, Guman became the unique and immortal one.”

• Rasolai Nadi, near Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur): The site of his martyrdom, where a memorial honors his sacrifice.

• Thikana Tinwari:

  • A cenotaph (chhatri) dedicated to him stands in the Juna Kot (old fort).

  • A chowk in Tinwari is named after him, ensuring his memory remains part of everyday life.

• Maharaja Bhim Singh had granted a a horse adorned with a golden ornamentation.

Thakur Guman Singh Rajpurohit is remembered not only for his unmatched bravery but also as a martyr who laid down his life to defend his ruler and his state from the tyranny of raiders. His sacrifice, immortalized in the poetry of Maharaja Man Singh Rathore, continues to inspire generations of Marwar.