Overview

Alias: Rawat Singh Rajpurohit
Industrialist | Freedom Fighter | Philanthropist | Hospitality Pioneer
Clan: Fondar
Thikana: Basant, District Pali, Rajasthan

Overview

Purshottam H. Purohit, popularly known as Rawat Singh Rajpurohit, was a distinguished industrialist, philanthropist, and freedom fighter from the Fondar clan of the Rajpurohit community. Originally hailing from the Thikana of Basant in Pali district, Rajasthan, he became a celebrated figure in Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, where he established one of the largest hotel chains under the Adarsh Hotel Group. He also played a notable role in India’s freedom movement, working with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Early Life and Ancestral Roots

Purshottam H. Purohit was born into the Fondar branch of the Rajpurohit community of Rajasthan. His ancestral seat was Thikana Basant, a historic estate in Pali district, long associated with Rajpurohit military and administrative service. The title Rawat Singh reflects his noble status within the feudal and community hierarchy.

Participation in the Freedom Movement

In the years leading up to India’s independence, Purshottam Ji aligned himself with the freedom struggle. He notably collaborated with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, providing material and logistical support to the cause. Though not widely featured in public records, he is remembered in family and regional oral traditions as a patriotic and committed figure, offering covert assistance to nationalist activities.

Business Career: Adarsh Hotel Group

Settling in Mumbai, Purshottam Ji entered the hospitality sector, founding the Adarsh Hotel Group, which would go on to become one of the largest and most respected hotel groups in the city. He is widely credited with bringing Rajasthani business acumen to Maharashtra’s commercial capital, inspiring a new generation of hospitality entrepreneurs from Rajasthan.

He also served as Vice President of the Mumbai and Maharashtra Hotel Association, playing a leadership role in shaping policy and industry standards.

Social Work and Philanthropy

Apart from business, Purshottam H. Purohit was deeply involved in philanthropic and social welfare efforts:

Provided free meals to underprivileged school children in Dongri, Mumbai
Worked closely with senior Maharashtrian political leaders on education and welfare initiatives
Supported causes related to rural health care, education, and employment
Was instrumental in promoting community harmony and upliftment across caste and regional lines

Postage Stamp Recognition (2025)

In recognition of his multifaceted contributions, the Government of India, Department of Posts, released a commemorative postage stamp on 2 August 2025, honoring Purshottam H. Purohit.

The stamp was formally released in Mumbai by Shri Haribhau Bagade, Governor of Rajasthan, in the presence of distinguished guests and dignitaries. The tribute described him as a:

“Karmayogi, visionary entrepreneur, freedom fighter, and philanthropic torchbearer of Rajasthan in Maharashtra.”

Legacy

In his memory, his children established the Purshottam H. Purohit Charitable Trust (PH Charitable Trust). Under this trust, they initiated numerous projects, including:

🏥 Late Sarojdevi Purshottamdas Purohit Ayushman Aarogya Mandir

A Primary Health Center and Hospital in Basant, District Pali, Rajasthan, aimed at providing affordable rural healthcare.

His contributions to business, freedom, and social welfare continue to inspire generations. He is remembered as:

A Rajpurohit of honor from the Fondar clan
A true son of Thikana Basant
A visionary in modern Indian enterprise and social service

References

India Post Gazette, August 2025
Records from PH Charitable Trust
Oral Histories (Fondar Rajpurohit Family of Basant)
Maharashtra Hotel Association Archives

Hanuwant Singh Akherajot

Tikai Shivnath Singhji Kalyanpur

Hari Singh Jhabara

Thakur Kesari Singhji

Anand Singh Manana

Purshottamdas H. Purohit

Major General Narpat Singh

Air Cmde Rajesh Rajpurohit

Devendra Mehta (Mutha)

Jasveer Singh Rajpurohit

Tikai Rambaksh Singh

Dungar Singh Rajpurohit