Mulraj ji Kumpawat | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Rajpurohit Mulrajji Sewad was a prominent Thakur, statesman, and chief Rajpurohit in the court of Rao Ganga Rathore of Marwar in the early 16th century. He held the position of Tikai Prohit (chief priest) of the Marwar State and was the Jagirdar of Tinwari Thikana, holding 18 jagirs. He is regarded as the founding ancestor of the Mulrajot/Mulawat branch of the Sewad Rajpurohit clan, which is today one of the most widespread Rajpurohit lineages in Marwar, Bikaner, and Malwa.

During Emperor Babur’s rule in Delhi, Rao Ganga of Marwar avoided direct contact with the Mughal court. In response to repeated farmans (royal orders) from Babur, Rao Ganga sent Mulrajji Sewad as his envoy. Mulrajji successfully represented Marwar at the Mughal court and brokered a peaceful understanding between the two rulers.

Babur, pleased with Mulrajji’s eloquence and intelligence, asked his court poet to compose a verse in his honor. The doha (couplet) praised the valor and heritage of the Sewad lineage:

"श्री सेवड़ कूप सूतन मुलराज मेहराण।
दिल्ली पत्ती दाखे ईम, सेवड़वंश रो भाण।।"

Babur honored Mulrajji with a shiropav (robe of honor) and gifted him a commendation letter addressed to Rao Ganga, acknowledging Mulrajji’s diplomacy and character.

Mulrajji was later sent by Rao Ganga to Merta to bring the Dariyajosh elephant for Kunwar Maldeo. However, the elephant died en route. Although it was a moment of misfortune, Mulrajji remained in the Rao’s confidence.

In a sudden enemy attack on Mehrangarh Fort, Rao Ganga was accompanied only by Bhati Bhan Singh, Sukh Nath (a Swami sect commander), and Mulrajji. Sukh Nath fled the battlefield, but Mulrajji and Bhan Singh fought valiantly and attained martyrdom alongside Rao Ganga.

This event was immortalized in a local doha:

"भांण पेले भरड़ियो, पड़ियो मूले पर हाथ।
गोखां गांगो गुडावियों, नाटो जोगी सुख नाथ।।"

Some historical accounts argue that the attackers may have been linked to Rao Maldeo, but this remains debated.

Mulrajji’s notable contributions include:

• Construction of the Mulnayak Krishna Temple in Jodhpur.

• Excavation of a stepwell in Khedapa, now called Mul Sagar.

• Construction of a 20-bigha fort at Bhainser Kotwali, ruins of which still exist. Oral tradition varies — some say the fort was destroyed accidentally by Rao Ganga, while others claim it was never completed.

• His deep spiritual connection with Guru Jambhoji, founder of the Bishnoi sect, is well documented. One shabd out of Jambhoji’s 120 sacred verses (Jambhvani) is dedicated to Mulrajji Sewad.

Mulrajji’s descendants are known as Mulrajot or Mulawat Sewads. They are among the most prominent and widely dispersed Rajpurohit clans, residing across Marwar, Bikaner, and Malwa. They continue to maintain traditional roles in history preservation, religious duties, and community leadership.

1. Nāinsī Ri Khyāt – Muhnot Nainsi

2. Jodhpur Rājyā Ri Khyāt

3. Mundiyār Ri Khyāt

4. Thikāna Tinwari Ri Bāhī

5. Inscriptions at Bhainser Kotwali (Old Fort site)

6. Marwar Pargana Ri Vigat – Muhnot Nainsi