Kishandas Ji Devidasot | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Kishandasji Rajpurohit was a prominent 16th-century warrior and administrator of the Sewad Clan of Rajpurohits in the princely state of Bikaner. He served as the Tikayat of Rao Jaitsi of Bikaner, playing a vital role both as a military commander during pivotal battles of the Bikaner kingdom. Revered for his valor, wisdom, and sacrifice, Kishandasji's legacy continues through the Kishandasot lineage, which traces its heritage to his name.

Kishandasji was the eldest son of Rajpurohit Devidasji Bikamsinghot, the jagirdar of Toliyasar. He belonged to the Sewad sub-clan, known for its martial devotion and loyalty to the Rathore rulers. His family had a long-standing tradition of military service and sacrifice. Raised in this atmosphere of honor and duty, Kishandasji inherited the warrior-spiritual mantle of his ancestors.

Kishandasji served as the Rajpurohit and chief advisor to Rao Jaitsi, ruler of Bikaner. He was a trusted figure in both political and military matters. Traditional bahis (family records) and oral histories recount that Kishandasji once saved Rao Jaitsi’s life in some battle, solidifying his stature in the royal court.

In 1534 CE, Kamran Mirza, son of Mughal emperor Babur, invaded Bikaner territory. This led to the Battle of Ratighati, a significant confrontation near present-day Ratighati (Bikaner). Kishandasji was appointed one of the key commanders in Rao Jaitsi’s forces. Known for his tactical acumen and personal bravery, he fought gallantly and helped secure a vital victory for Bikaner against the Mughal incursion.

During this time, he rode a legendary horse named Laada, known for its agility and beauty. Kishandasji’s battlefield feats while mounted on Lada became legendary in bardic traditions.

In 1541, the Battle of Sohwa, also known as the Battle of Paheba / Saheba, was fought in the village of Sohwa (Sowa). This conflict arose when Rao Maldeo of Jodhpur attacked Bikaner in an attempt to expand his dominion.

Kishandasji led Bikaner's resistance with unmatched valor. He attained martyrdom on the battlefield while defending the sovereignty of Bikaner. Alongside him, his nephew Buddhraj (also known as Narayandas) a member of the Siddhap clan and the son of Kishandasji’s sister also laid down his life. Their heroic deaths are memorialized in local traditions and shrines.

Following the battle, Rao Kalyan Mal of Bikaner, moved by their sacrifice, offered an 8,000 bigha jagir of Sohwa to Haridasji, son of Kishandasji. In a remarkable act of humility, Haridasji declined the jagir for himself and requested it be granted to the descendants of Buddhraj, in honor of his cousin's sacrifice.

Rao Kalyan Mal honored the request, granting the Sohwa jagir to Buddhraj’s lineage. Haridasji later established a new village named Hiyadesar, and the Maharaja Kalyanmal of Bikaner (1542-1571) granted him 18000 beegha land as jagir in the village of Hiyadesar.  

Later, another jagir Thori Kheda was granted to the descendants of Kishandasji, who named it Kishnasar in his memory. Kishnasar became the primary estate of the Kishandasot sub-branch of the Sewad Rajpurohits.

Kishandasji’s life symbolizes the enduring ideals of duty, sacrifice, and spiritual integrity. His family's legacy is woven into the foundational history of Bikaner:

• His grandfather was a key figure in the early wars of Bikaner and was martyred at Dhosi in 1516.

• His father, Devidasji, died fighting in the Second Battle of Dhosi in 1526.

• Kishandasji himself gave his life for the defense of Bikaner in 1541.

• Kan Singh ji in his lineage gained the highest honours, and his descendants, including Rughnath ji, Jagram ji, Jethmal ji also earned a great name in the history of the princely state of Bikner. 

The cenotaphs and devli shrines at Sohwa stand as enduring symbols of their valor and are still visited by descendants and devotees.

The Kishandasot branch of Sewad Rajpurohits continues to maintain this heritage, primarily from their seat in Kishnasar.

1. Rao Jaitsi ra Chhand by Amar Singh Rajvi

2. Ratighati ka Yuddh by Janki Narayan Shrimali

3. Khyat Deshdarpan

4. Cenotaph and devli in Sohwa Village

5. Rajpurohit Jati ka Itihas, Part-2

6. Bahi of Kishnasar Thikana

7. Multiple news articles and oral traditions