Harpal JI | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Harpal Ji Rajpurohit, son of Bijad Ji, was a distinguished Tikai Rajpurohit (chief royal priest) and military aide in the 15th-century Marwar kingdom. He served under Rao Chunda Rathore and Rao Ranmal Rathore, two of the most prominent rulers of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar (present-day Rajasthan, India). Harpal Ji is remembered for his contributions both on the battlefield and in the royal administration.

Harpal Ji belonged to the Rajpurohit Community , a traditional priestly and advisory caste that held significant roles in Rajput courts. He was the son of Bijad Ji, and his family held ancestral ties to the Marwar region.

Harpal Ji rose to prominence during the reign of Rao Chunda (r. 1384–1428 CE), the powerful Rathore ruler credited with consolidating Rathore power in Marwar. As Tikai Rajpurohit, Harpal Ji served as both a religious and military figure, accompanying Rao Chunda in numerous campaigns across Marwar.

He continued his service under Rao Ranmal (r. c. 1428–1438 CE), who succeeded Chunda and extended the Rathore influence into Mewar.

Recognizing Harpal Ji’s loyalty and valor in warfare, Rao Chunda awarded him a jagir of 6 villages in Vikram Samvat 1485 (1428 CE). He was granted the jagir of Badli, a notable estate within the Marwar region. This grant is an important historical marker of the Rajpurohit clan’s martial and administrative contributions beyond their ritual roles.

Harpal Ji's legacy is preserved in Tinwari ki Khyat and Badli ki Bahi, local historical texts and genealogical records that document the contributions of Rajpurohit lineages. His descendants continued to serve in important roles within the princely states of Rajasthan.

• Tinwari ki Khyat

• Badli ki Bahi

• Secondary sources on Marwar history and the Rathore dynasty