Overview

Feudal Lord, Warrior-General, and Martyr of the Jalore Resistance (d. 1311 CE)

Somayat Ji Mutha, also referred to in historical records as Som Singh Ji, and in some sources as Somchand Ji, was a legendary Rajpurohit warrior, military strategist, and feudal lord of the Godwar–Marwar region in medieval Rajasthan. A leading noble of the Jalore Kingdom, he is remembered for his pivotal role in defending Rajputana against the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khilji.

Early Life and Background

Somayat Ji hailed from the illustrious Mutha clan of the Rajpurohits. He was among the largest jagirdars of his time, holding a feudal estate that reportedly spanned from Nadol to Ramseen, encompassing around 160 villages. His family served as both administrators and military commanders under the Chauhan rulers of Jalore.

He held the ancient Brahminical title of Vyas, signifying both erudition and administrative authority. In different sources and regional traditions, he is alternately referred to as Som Singh, Somayath Singh, or Somchand.

Builder of Aapeshwar Mahadev Temple, Ramseen

Somayat Ji was also a temple builder and patron of Shaivism. According to regional inscriptions and oral traditions, he constructed the Aapeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Ramseen, one of the spiritual centers of southern Marwar, in Vikram Samvat 1319 (1262 CE). This temple remains a revered site and a testament to his devotion, cultural influence, and architectural patronage.

Military Role and Alliance with Ranthambore

As recorded in the 15th-century epic Kanhadade Prabandha, Somayat Singh (Somayath Singh Ji) formed a strategic alliance with Hammir Deo of Ranthambore to resist the invasions of Jalaluddin Khilji, the uncle of Alauddin Khilji. He served as one of the principal generals and chief war strategists during the Battle of Ranthambore, commanding a personal cavalry force of 5,000 horsemen.

His tactical planning and military leadership contributed to a significant, albeit temporary, defeat of Khilji forces, delaying the expansion of the Sultanate’s control in Rajputana.

Feudal Power in Marwar, Godwar, and Gujarat

Somayat Ji's influence extended beyond Jalore:

He frequently led expeditions into Gujarat, representing the Chauhan rulers in border raids and defensive operations.
His command stretched across the Godwar-Marwar belt, with deep influence in Nadol, Sirohi, and southern Rajasthan.
He maintained diplomatic and military authority among local chiefs and clans, and was a known figure even in northern Gujarat.

Martyrdom in Siege of Jalore (1311 CE)

During the final siege of Jalore in 1311 CE, led by Alauddin Khilji, Somayat Ji fought as a senior general under Kanhadadeva Chauhan. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he and his sons defended the fort heroically.

He attained Veergati (martyrdom) alongside many of his family members in the final battle for Jalore’s independence.
His hero stones (Veer Stambhas) still stand inside Jalore Fort, memorializing his unmatched courage and loyalty.

Legacy

Dohas and Bardic Praise: His legacy is preserved in folk literature, particularly the doha:

"वेढि तणा जाणइ परपंच, सोम तणा रणि भिडीया पंच"
(Only those who face the fire understand the depth of war—Som led the charge with five.)
Post-Jalore Era: After Jalore fell, his descendants from the Mutha clan migrated across the Godwar region and later entered the service of the Kingdom of Mewar, where they continued to hold important religious and administrative roles.
Cultural Legacy: The Aapeshwar Mahadev Temple remains a site of pilgrimage and a symbol of Somayat Ji's legacy as both a defender of dharma and patron of culture.

References

Kanhadade Prabandha by Padmanābha
Kanhadde Prabandh (Gujarati Version)
Heroic Stones and Inscriptions, Jalore Fort
Bardic Accounts & Dohas from Godwar region
Bahis (Genealogical scrolls) of the Mutha Rajpurohit clan
News Article regarding Aapeshwar Mahadev Temple, Ramseen

Bijad ji

Bahad Ji

Bikamsi / Vikram Singh Rajpurohit

Mulraj ji Kumpawat

SomayatJi Mutha

Kan Singh ji Farsaramot

Suja Kanwar Rajpurohit

Pratap Singh Mulrajot

Kishandas Ji Devidasot

Damaji Harpalot

Thakur Bahad Singh Ji Gundehcha

Rekhaji Khindawat