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Rughnath ji Harnathot
Rughnath Ji Harnathot (1712–1793) was a distinguished Rajpurohit military general and nobleman of Bikaner State. He was the eldest son of Harnath Ji Kanot, the founder of Desalsar Purohitan. Known for his valor in battle and architectural contributions, Rughnath Ji played a crucial role in shaping the legacy of the Kanot Rajpurohit family in 18th-century Rajasthan.
Rughnath Ji was born in 1712 at the village of Desalsar Purohitan, Bikaner. He was the eldest of four sons of Harnath Ji Kanot, a military general whom Maharaja Anup Singh of Bikaner (1736-46) granted the jagir of Desalsar for saving his life.
Rughnath Ji followed in his father’s footsteps as a warrior and commander. He actively participated in the Battle of Gangwana (1741), leading a cavalry unit and cannon battalion for the combined forces of Bikaner and Jaipur against the Marwar (Jodhpur) forces. Despite fierce opposition, his leadership and courage during the battle were highly praised.
Earlier in his career, he was temporarily granted two villages by Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar (November 7, 1702 – June 18, 1749). However, after siding with Bikaner in the Battle of Gangwana, these villages were revoked by the Marwar court.
Recognizing his loyalty and bravery, Maharaja Jorawar Singh of Bikaner rewarded Rughnath Ji by adding 2,000 bighas of land to the Desalsar jagir and granting an additional 400 bighas in Nokha village.
He was awarded the Jagirs of Kharukada and Paladi by Marwar Maharaja Vijay Singh in Jodhupur State, and the Jagir of "Salasar Tagrat" was awarded by Bikaner Maharaja Gaj Singh.
Rughnath Ji constructed the Desalsar Fort, a fortified residence that elevated the political status of the family. He also built the Laxmi Narayan Temple, a key spiritual and cultural site in the village. Due to the prominence of the fort and his standing at court, the Purohit family came to be respectfully known as “Mahal Wala Purohitji” in Bikaner durbar circles.
He also constructed an Upasara for the Jain community of their village and nearby Jains. This shows their respect towards the other community and devotion to God.
Recognizing the scarcity of water in the arid region, he constructed a well in Desalsar, which became the primary and often sole source of water for six nearby villages. This played a vital role in sustaining local agriculture and daily life, cementing Rughnath Ji’s legacy not only as a warrior but also as a benefactor to the community.
Rughnath Ji passed away in 1793, leaving behind a profound legacy of valor, statesmanship, and public service. His eldest son, Simbhuram Ji, was a distinguished warrior who upheld his father's military traditions. His wife performed Sati, a revered act of devotion in the Rajpurohit ethos, and a Sati Mata temple was later established in Desalsar, which remains a site of respect and remembrance.
Another notable descendant, Jawan Ji, also earned fame for his bravery in key regional conflicts. His wife, too, performed Sati, and her handprint and inscription are still preserved on the Daulat Pol (Gate of Valor) of Bikaner Fort. This gate bears the Sati marks of Bikaner's royal women, and the inclusion of Jawan Ji’s wife’s hand among them is a testament to the high status and powerful position held by the Kanot Rajpurohit family within the Bikaner royal court.
Other descendants include:
Jethmal Ji – Grandson of Rughnath Ji, a valiant military commander who slaughtered Alaf Khan into two pieces with his horse.
Badridas Ji – Son of Rughnath Ji, who founded the village of Dhirdesar, expanding the family’s influence.
The Kanot Rajpurohits continued to serve as warriors, nobles, and advisors to the Bikaner state well into the 20th century, with their legacy of sacrifice, honor, and service enduring in regional history and collective memory.
