Karn Singh Kalawat | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Karan Singhji Mulrajot, also known as Karn Singh Kalawant, was a prominent Rajpurohit warrior of the Mulrajot Sewad lineage of Tinwari, Marwar. He was the son of Thakur Kalyan Singhji and grandson of Pratap Singhji, a battlefield hero under Rao Maldeo Rathore. Karan Singhji inherited not only the title of Thakur of Tinwari but also the martial valor and loyalty deeply rooted in his bloodline. His martyrdom in a tragic case of mistaken identity during the Mughal–Mewar conflict remains a celebrated chapter in Marwar’s oral and written history.

During the reign of Maharana Amar Singh of Mewar, the region was entangled in hostilities with the Mughal Empire under Emperor Jahangir. As part of the Mughal campaign to suppress Mewar, Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) was sent to attack Mewar.

At this time, Gaj Singh Rathore, the ruler of Jodhpur and a Mughal ally, had taken control of Sojat from Mewar and handed it over to Mughal commander Abdullah, who set up a military station at Nadol. Another Mughal outpost existed at Ranakpur, which further established Mughal pressure in the area.

Karan Singh Kalawant, while en route to Shahpura, was accompanied by 13 soldiers. Near the Nadol station, Abdullah's men challenged the small group. When asked his identity, Karan Singh boldly declared:

“मैं करण” (“I am Karan”).

Commander Abdullah, mistaking him for Prince Karan Singh Sisodia of Mewar, immediately launched an attack. Despite being outnumbered and unprepared for such an ambush, Karan Singhji and his 13 companions fought valiantly and attained martyrdom. The mistake was realized only after the death of Karn Singh, who was not the Sisodia prince but a Rajpurohit warrior.

His heroic sacrifice is immortalized in Marwar’s poetic and folk traditions, especially in nisani, geet, and doha composed by poets and bards of the time.

Karan Singhji Kalawant's unflinching courage, even in the face of mistaken identity and overwhelming force, is remembered with great reverence. His sacrifice is a symbol of honor and loyalty, not just to his rulers but also to the cause of truth and bravery.

His descendants at Tinwari remember him with pride, and his name continues to be cited in Marwar’s oral warrior traditions.

• Rajpurohit Jati Ka Itihas, Part 1

• Rajputana Virasat, article

• Marwar ka Itihas, historical chronicle

• Oral ballads and bardic traditions of Marwar