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Jhujhar Ratan Singh Ji Srirakh
Jhujhar Ratan Singh Ji Srirakh (early 18th century) was a revered Rajpurohit of the Raigur clan from Bisu Kalan, Rajasthan. Remembered as a symbol of dharma, honor, and sacrifice, he is best known for performing Traga (Tāṇā) near the village of Chochra on the Jaisalmer–Barmer frontier, where he offered his life to uphold justice between Rathores and Bhatis. His act of self-sacrifice established him as one of the immortal martyrs (Jhujhars) of Marwar.
In the early 18th century, land in Chochra village, traditionally belonging to the Dhandhal Rathores, was forcibly occupied by the Bhatis of Jaisalmer. The conflict escalated, and the Rathores, unable to resolve the dispute through force or diplomacy, turned to Ratan Singh Ji Srirakh, son of Raghunath Singh Ji of Bisu Kalan.
As the family Rajpurohit of the Rathores, Ratan Singh Ji was respected not only as a religious and spiritual guide but also as a custodian of maryada (honor), nyaya (justice), and dharma.
Ratan Singh Ji traveled to the disputed land and attempted to mediate. He urged the Bhatis to relinquish their unlawful claim and honor the traditional boundaries. However, his pleas were met with insult and rejection.
Choosing not to return defeated or let his patrons be dishonored, Ratan Singh Ji invoked the ancient Rajput-Rajpurohit practice of Traga (self-sacrificial vow).
On the sands of Dharvi, he plunged 21 daggers into his chest one after another, each representing an oath of truth and defiance. Before collapsing, he declared:
“Where my blood falls, that shall mark the eternal boundary between the Bhatis and the Rathores.”
His sacrifice sanctified the land, and his word became law.
The sacrifice of Ratan Singh Ji Srirakh became immortalized in local memory as “Ratan Singh Ji Ka Tāṇā.” His act not only protected the territorial rights of his patrons but also reinforced the Rajpurohit ideals of honor above life.
A Chhatri (cenotaph) dedicated to him still stands near Dharvi village, on the border of Jaisalmer and Barmer, marking the site of his martyrdom.
He is revered among Rajpurohit lineages and Rathore clans as a protector of dharma and justice.
Folk ballads and oral traditions of Marwar continue to celebrate his jhujhār sacrifice.
The Traga of Ratan Singh Ji Srirakh exemplifies the Rajpurohit tradition of standing alongside their patrons in both counsel and sacrifice. Unlike conventional warfare, his act of voluntary self-immolation through daggers symbolized the power of moral authority over military might.
In local oral history, his name is often prefixed with “Jhujhar”, placing him among the immortal martyrs who gave their lives for honor and truth.
