Rajpurohit: Difference between revisions

**Rajpurohit**
Rajpurohit
	Rajpurohit Kesari Singh Akherajot (18th century, Marwar)
Classification	Kshatriya Brahmins
Religions	Hinduism
Country	India, Pakistan
Region	Rajasthan
Feudal title	Jagirdar
Status	Forward caste

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Rajpurohit^[a] is a martial race of Brahmin origin residing in South Asia natively in western Rajasthan of India.^[3] Their ancestors belonged to the family line of SaptRishis. They maintain traditions that are similar to both Brahmins and Rajputs.^[4]

When the varna system was being created, a need was felt to have a class of highly skilled and intelligent polymath which could not only curb the illegitimate powers of Kshatriyas but also teach them skills of warfare, polity, dharma(righteousness), etc. This special class was selected from the top notch brahmins who were the wisest, bravest and the most skilled people of the time. This creamy layer from the Brahmin varna were regarded as Rajpurohits who were to teach Kshatriyas to rule.

They have historically been involved in administration, trade, vassals, royal council members, as warriors, jagirdars and Feudal lords^[5] They were granted jagiri for large villages for their participation and bravery shown on the battlefield and were very active in councils of King}} and are spread across the entire country. They were given control of villages at boundary of kingdom for the purpose of security of state. According to political analysts, the Rajput, Charan and Rajpurohit communities are considered to be identical in regards to their social customs and political ideologies.^[6]

Social structure

There is a stark difference between a Purohit and Rajpurohit. Rajpurohit is a Brahmin community, who as a rule, did not provide any Brahminical services as expected with the caste duties of Brahmins, which the purohits/ pandits did. Rajpurohits took part in battlefield, business, promoting culture through arts, educational services etc. Therefore, Rajpurohits are Brahmins by Birth but Kshatriyas by Deeds. ^[7]

In the folk history of Marwar, Rajput, and Rajpurohit castes are said to have more numbers of folk deities and Kshetra Devtas. Even today the local people are deeply attached to their ancestors. There is concrete evidence in the history of Marwar that Rajpurohit was not just a religious title but was an important political post and according to their abilities, they occupied many political and strategic positions. Thakur GopalSingh ‘Rashtravar’ Kharwa has written in his historical research that^{[citation needed]}

"In every war of Rajputs, the Rajpurohits has sacrificed everything without any greed."

Even today Damamis, Bhats and poets are found praising these local heroes in various areas, villages and hamlets. Soratha/Dohas are still popular by the Damamis of Tinwari:

चारण कर कवराज, रण खेती राजपूता री |

बहुविधा(शस्त्र) जुधबाज, राजनीत राज प्रौहिता ||

चारण देवी सुं छावा खत्रवट कवत बखाण |

सतिवत जूंझण रण सरैं , छत्रिय , प्रौहित राण ||^[7]

Historical background

Mythological mention and legend

There is evidence in the Puranas that every state had a Rajpurohit, Rajguru or Kulguru, who were mostly famous Saptarishis or their descendants. Vashishtha was the Rajguru of the Ikshvaku clan in the Kosala kingdom. During the Mahabharata period, Kripacharya, Dronacharya for Kuruvansh, and later Dhaumya Rishi held this position for the Pandavas.^[9]^{[citation needed]}

In the mythologies, the character of Rajpurohit is said to be one of the major characters who used to express his opinion on every matter of the state and played an important role in the battlefield. According to folklore, there is mention of four Rajpurohit or Kulguru Purohit along with four Rajput branches by the Yajna of Guru Vashishtha.^{[citation needed]}

In the Vedic period, the position of the Rajpurohit was also traditional in many groups of the Aryan clan. Being the guru (teacher) of the state, he was called Rajguru. The Rajpurohit was the guide of the king. He was a teacher, philosopher, warrior, and prominent representative of the state. The Rajpurohit was selected from among the descendants of great sages who were knowledgeable in state administration, politics, religion, business ethics, war, archery, weapons, etc. Since the Maurya period, Brahmins with high qualities and versatile talents were appointed for many political and civil administration works.^[10] Over time this position became hereditary.

Social Formation in medieval period

They attained the feudal status during the Rathore rule in the medieval period. They were as much into mentoring the royal house, educating princes, guiding the king, providing advice on the matters of welfare of the state, and performing religious duties as they were into helping maintain the security of the kingdom by being actively involved in battles. Rajpurohits were incorporated into the feudal structure of Rajasthan, as they received grants of villages, called jagirs, from the rulers from time to time. Consequently, they came closer to Rajputs in terms of tradition and way of life. Though they retained the Brahminical customs of vegetarianism, wearing of Janeu, and others. Recognised by the royal court, they could provide competent services in every field of the state, be it administrative, political, or strategic. However, this caste is formed of purohits from certain areas of Rajasthan such as Marwar and Mewar. Based on their services and merit, they were granted many jagirs, Thikana, and feudal lands. These villages or land were considered to be free from any ruler and were outside the ambit of any form of tax. That’s why there is a difference in traditions between the Rajpurohit and other Brahmin castes. There are many clans in the Rajpurohit caste but the most prominent among them are Sevad, Sodha, Rajguru, Manana, Udesh and Jagarwal. Much information about these clans comes from the ledgers of the jagirs and thikanas granted to them and some information from the historical sources of Raj Marwar.^[11]

By the medieval period, many societies under Rathore rule laid more emphasis on strategic power and political empowerment so that they could prove their worth and serve in the royal court. During the time of Rao Maldev, Rajpurohits got the opportunity to get important positions in the feudal system. Rao Maldev who was once saved from a lion by Rajpurohit Pratap Singh by piercing dagger into the heart of lion, compelled him to give the title of "Singh" to Rajpurohits.

Akheraj Singh Rajpurohit, in late 17th century, was one of the most important confidants of Maharaj Jaswant Singh who later also served and protected Prince Ajit Singh. Ajit Singh gave Akheraj ji titles like “Patshah” and “Anvi” declaring him the King of Rajpurohits.^[12] ^[13]

Keshri Singh Akherajot^[14] was the son of Akheraj Singh Rajpurohit and is regarded as one of the greatest warriors of all time in the history of Marwar. He was the Rajguru of Abhay Singh and Bakht Singh. In 1730, Battle of Ahmedabad against Sarbuland Khan, he performed Saka and won the war for Marwar. He is one of the few warriors in the history of Rajputana whose torso fought and slew enemies even after being beheaded. This is why he is referred as "Bhomiya" and "Junjhaar" and worshipped as folk deity.

Notable personalities in modern era

1. Dr. Prahlad Singh Rajpurohit (Akherajot) - 1st historian to bring out the history of Rajpurohits.

References

Notes

^ Aside from being a community, Rajpurohit is synonymous with Rajguru as an ancient term for a type of Brahmin. Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund note that "There is much evidence in ancient texts that there were two ideal types of Brahmins in those days, the royal priest or advisor (rajpurohit, rajguru, "akherajot" and "kanot") and the sage (rishi) who lived in the forest and shared his wisdom only with those who asked for it."^[1] Its modern use in this sense has been described by Sumit Sarkar as a "self-conscious archaism".^[2]

Citations

^ Kulke, Hermann; Rothermund, Dietmar (2004) [1986]. A History of India (Fourth ed.). Routledge. p. 5. ISBN 9780415329194. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
^ Sarkar, Sumit (2002). Beyond Nationalist Frames: Postmodernism, Hindutva, History. Indiana University Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780253342034. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
^ Hardyal, Munshi (2020). The Castes of Marwar (Census Report of 1891) (1st ed.). Books Treasure.
^ Singh, Manvendra (15 April 2013). Campaign Diary: Chronicle of an Election Fought and Lost. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-983-9.
^ {{Cite book|title=A History of Rajasthan|author=Rima Hooja|year=2006 |publisher=University of Michigan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tosMAQAAMAAJ%7Cisbn=8129108909%7Cquote= Rajpurohit are a community of people residing in Bikaner State,Marwar,Nagaur etc.
^ "Rajpurohits pitch in for Cong". The Times of India. 14 April 2009. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
^ ^a ^b Singh, Dr.Prahlad (1982). Rajpurohit Jaati ka Itihaas. Rajasthani Granthnagar.
^ "Gumansingh Rajpurohit's bravery day celebrated". Patrika.com.
^ Dutt, M.N. (2008). Mahabharata of Vyasa [English] (in Sanskrit and English) (1st ed.). Parimal Publications. ISBN 978-8171101962.
^ Kautilya (10 January 2021). Arthashastra by Kautilya (1st ed.). Fingerprint Publishing. ISBN 978-9354403705.
^ Nath Reu, Vishveshwer (2019). Marwar ka Itihas (in Hindi) (2nd ed.). Jodhpur: Rajasthani Granthagar (published 1 January 2019). ISBN 9789387297722.
^ Sevaṛa, Prahalādasiṃha (2021). Rājapurohita jāti kā itihāsa (Dvitīya saṃsodhita saṃskaraṇa ed.). Jodhapura. ISBN 978-93-90179-06-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
^ Jahoor Khan Mehar, Munshi Hardayal Singh (2019). Report Mardumshumari Rajmarwar 1891 E. (in English and Hindi) (1st ed.). Jodhpur: RAJASTHANI GRANTHAGAR. ISBN 9788186103321. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
^ Dr Prahalad Singh Rajpurohit,"Veer Kesari Singh Rajpurohit ka Jasprakash"

This article about an Indian ethnicity or social group is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

[3] Aside from being a community, Rajpurohit is synonymous with Rajguru as an ancient term for a type of Brahmin. Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund note that "There is much evidence in ancient texts that there were two ideal types of Brahmins in those days, the royal priest or advisor (rajpurohit, rajguru, "akherajot" and "kanot") and the sage (rishi) who lived in the forest and shared his wisdom only with those who asked for it."^[1] Its modern use in this sense has been described by Sumit Sarkar as a "self-conscious archaism".^[2]

[1] Kulke, Hermann; Rothermund, Dietmar (2004) [1986]. A History of India (Fourth ed.). Routledge. p. 5. ISBN 9780415329194. Retrieved 25 December 2012.

[2] Sarkar, Sumit (2002). Beyond Nationalist Frames: Postmodernism, Hindutva, History. Indiana University Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780253342034. Retrieved 25 December 2012.

[4] Hardyal, Munshi (2020). The Castes of Marwar (Census Report of 1891) (1st ed.). Books Treasure.

[5] Singh, Manvendra (15 April 2013). Campaign Diary: Chronicle of an Election Fought and Lost. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-983-9.

[:1-6] {{Cite book|title=A History of Rajasthan|author=Rima Hooja|year=2006 |publisher=University of Michigan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tosMAQAAMAAJ%7Cisbn=8129108909%7Cquote= Rajpurohit are a community of people residing in Bikaner State,Marwar,Nagaur etc.

[TOI2009-7] "Rajpurohits pitch in for Cong". The Times of India. 14 April 2009. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2012.

[:0-8] Singh, Dr.Prahlad (1982). Rajpurohit Jaati ka Itihaas. Rajasthani Granthnagar.

[9] "Gumansingh Rajpurohit's bravery day celebrated". Patrika.com.

[10] Dutt, M.N. (2008). Mahabharata of Vyasa [English] (in Sanskrit and English) (1st ed.). Parimal Publications. ISBN 978-8171101962.

[11] Kautilya (10 January 2021). Arthashastra by Kautilya (1st ed.). Fingerprint Publishing. ISBN 978-9354403705.

[12] Nath Reu, Vishveshwer (2019). Marwar ka Itihas (in Hindi) (2nd ed.). Jodhpur: Rajasthani Granthagar (published 1 January 2019). ISBN 9789387297722.

[13] Sevaṛa, Prahalādasiṃha (2021). Rājapurohita jāti kā itihāsa (Dvitīya saṃsodhita saṃskaraṇa ed.). Jodhapura. ISBN 978-93-90179-06-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

[14] Jahoor Khan Mehar, Munshi Hardayal Singh (2019). Report Mardumshumari Rajmarwar 1891 E. (in English and Hindi) (1st ed.). Jodhpur: RAJASTHANI GRANTHAGAR. ISBN 9788186103321. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)

[ReferenceA-15] Dr Prahalad Singh Rajpurohit,"Veer Kesari Singh Rajpurohit ka Jasprakash"

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Community in Rajasthan}}
+{{Short description|Caste in Western Rajasthan}}
 {{pp-pc|small=yes}}
-{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
+{{infobox caste
+| caste_name             = '''Rajpurohit'''
-'''Rajpurohit''' is a subsect of [[Brahmins]] living in western [[Rajasthan]], India.<ref name=TOI2009>{{cite news|title=Rajpurohits pitch in for Cong|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-14/jaipur/28018905_1_community-social-evils-rajasthan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811025313/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-14/jaipur/28018905_1_community-social-evils-rajasthan|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|access-date=20 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 April 2009}}</ref>
+| caste_name_in_local    =
+| image                  = Kesari_singh_Rajpurohit.jpg
+| image_size             =
+| alt                    =
+| caption                = Rajpurohit Kesari Singh Akherajot (18th century, Marwar)
+| abbreviation           =
+| varna                  =
+| jati                   =
+| classification         = Kshatriya Brahmins
+| gotra                  =
+| veda                   =
+| kula_daivat            =
+| kula_devi              =
+| guru                   =
+| mantra                 =
+| nishan                 =
+| devak                  =
+| religions              = [[Hinduism]]
+| languages              =
+| country                = [[India]], [[Pakistan]]
+| state                  =
+| populated_states       =
+| region                 = [[Rajasthan]]
+| ethnicity              =
+| India_migration        =
+| population             =
+| family_names           =
+| feudal_title           = [[Jagirdar]]
+| heraldic_title         =
+| lineage                =
+| color                  =
+| throne                 =
+| victory_weapon         =
+| endogamous             =
+| notable_members        =
+| subdivisions           =
+| related                =
+| historical_grouping    =
+| disputed_grouping      =
+| status                 = [[Forward caste]]
+}}
+'''Rajpurohit'''{{efn|Aside from being a community, ''Rajpurohit'' is synonymous with ''Rajguru'' as an ancient term for a type of Brahmin.  [[Hermann Kulke]] and [[Dietmar Rothermund]] note that "There is much evidence in ancient texts that there were two ideal types of Brahmins in those days, the royal priest or advisor (''rajpurohit'', ''rajguru'', "akherajot" and "kanot") and the sage (''rishi'') who lived in the forest and shared his wisdom only with those who asked for it."<ref>{{cite book |title=A History of India |first1=Hermann |last1=Kulke |author-link1=Hermann Kulke |first2=Dietmar |last2=Rothermund |author-link2=Dietmar Rothermund |edition=Fourth |publisher=Routledge |orig-year=1986 |year=2004 |page=5 |isbn=9780415329194 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPVq3ykHyH4C |access-date=25 December 2012}}</ref> Its modern use in this sense has been described by [[Sumit Sarkar]] as a "self-conscious archaism".<ref>{{cite book |title=Beyond Nationalist Frames: Postmodernism, Hindutva, History |first=Sumit |last=Sarkar |author-link=Sumit Sarkar |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=2002 |isbn=9780253342034 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XaDVarGyzZsC |page=73 |access-date=25 December 2012}}</ref>}} is a [[martial race]] of [[Brahmin]] origin residing in South Asia natively in western [[Rajasthan]] of India.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hardyal |first=Munshi |title=The Castes of Marwar (Census Report of 1891) |publisher=Books Treasure |year=2020 |edition=1st |language=English}}</ref> Their ancestors belonged to the family line of [[Saptarshi|SaptRishis]]. They maintain traditions that are similar to both [[Brahmin]]s and [[Rajput]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Manvendra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lyM7JZcyOisC&dq=%22Rajpurohits%22&pg=PT21 |title=Campaign Diary: Chronicle of an Election Fought and Lost |date=15 April 2013 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-983-9 |language=en}}</ref>
+When the varna system was being created, a need was felt to have a class of highly skilled and intelligent polymath which could not only curb the illegitimate powers of Kshatriyas but also teach them skills of warfare, polity, dharma(righteousness), etc. This special class was selected from the top notch brahmins who were the wisest, bravest and the most skilled people of the time. This creamy layer from the Brahmin varna were regarded as Rajpurohits who were to teach Kshatriyas to rule.
-==Origin==
-Their ancestors are Brahmins, most notably different sub castes such as [[Gaur Brahmins|Gaur]], [[Saraswat Brahmin|Saraswat]], Paliwal , Khandelwal, Pushkarna, Nagar, Pareek, Dadheech and Bias but majority of them has [[Gaur Brahmin|Gaur]] lineage.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Dr.Prahlad|title=Rajpurohit Jaati ka Itihaas |date=1982 |publisher= Rajasthani Granthnagar}}</ref>
+They have historically been involved in [[Administration (law)|administration]], [[trade]], [[vassal]]s, [[Royal council|royal council members]], as [[warrior]]s, [[jagir]]dars and [[Feudalism|Feudal lords]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=A History of Rajasthan|author=Rima Hooja|year=2006 |publisher=University of Michigan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tosMAQAAMAAJ|isbn=8129108909|quote= Rajpurohit are a community of people residing in Bikaner State,Marwar,Nagaur etc. </ref> They were granted jagiri for large villages for their participation and bravery shown on the battlefield and were very active in councils of King}} and are spread across the entire country. They were given control of villages at boundary of kingdom for the purpose of security of state. According to political analysts, the [[Rajput]], [[Charan]] and Rajpurohit communities are considered to be identical in regards to their [[social custom]]s and [[political]] [[ideologies]].<ref name=TOI2009>{{cite news|title=Rajpurohits pitch in for Cong|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Rajpurohits-pitch-in-for-Cong/articleshow/4397622.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811025313/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-14/jaipur/28018905_1_community-social-evils-rajasthan|url-status=live|archive-date=11 August 2011|access-date=20 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 April 2009}}</ref>
-==Political activities==
-The Rajpurohit community had previously been allied primarily with the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]. In 2009, however, the community switched loyalties to the [[Indian National Congress]], due to perceived neglect by the BJP.<ref name=TOI2009/>
+== Social structure ==
-==Notable members of the Rajpurohit community==
+There is a stark difference between a Purohit and Rajpurohit. Rajpurohit is a Brahmin community, who as a rule, did not provide any Brahminical services as expected with the caste duties of Brahmins, which the purohits/ pandits did. Rajpurohits took part in [[battlefield]], [[business]], promoting [[culture]] through arts, educational services etc. Therefore, Rajpurohits are Brahmins by Birth but Kshatriyas by Deeds. <ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Dr.Prahlad|title=Rajpurohit Jaati ka Itihaas |date=1982 |publisher= Rajasthani Granthnagar}}</ref> [[File:Akheraj rajpurohit of marwar.jpg|thumb|[[Akheraj Rajpurohit|Patshah Akheraj Rajpurohit]] of [[Tinwari]]]]
-* [[Govind Singh Rajpurohit]], an Indian legal educational administrator.
+[[File:Kesari singh akherajot rajpurohit of kherapa.jpg|thumb|Rajpurohit Kesari Singh, pride of [[Marwar]] on his horse]]
-* [[Gulab Singh Rajpurohit]] is an Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
-* [[Jethu Singh Rajpurohit]], an [[India]]n politician and member of the [[Indian National Congress]] from [[Bali, Rajasthan]].
+In the folk history of [[Marwar]], Rajput, and Rajpurohit castes are said to have more numbers of folk [[Deity|deities]] and Kshetra Devtas. Even today the local people are deeply attached to their ancestors. There is concrete evidence in the history of [[Marwar]] that Rajpurohit was not just a [[Religion|religious]] title but was an important [[Politics|political]] post and according to their abilities, they occupied many political and [[strategic]] positions. Thakur GopalSingh ‘Rashtravar’ Kharwa has written in his historical research that{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
-* [[Shankar Singh Rajpurohit]], an Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
+"''In every war of Rajputs, the Rajpurohits has sacrificed everything without any greed''."
+[[File:Guman singh smarak.jpg|thumb|Bravery memorial built in memory of Rajpurohit Guman Singh of [[Tinwari]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gumansingh Rajpurohit's bravery day celebrated |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/amp/guman-singh-rajpurohit-celebrates-shaurya-diwas-103548-3004587.html/ |website=Patrika.com}}</ref>]]
+Even today Damamis, Bhats and [[poet]]s are found praising these local [[hero]]es in various areas, [[village]]s and [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]]. [[Folklore of India|Soratha]]/Dohas are still popular by the Damamis of [[Tinwari]]:
+चारण कर कवराज, रण खेती राजपूता री |
+बहुविधा(शस्त्र) जुधबाज, राजनीत राज प्रौहिता ||
+चारण देवी सुं छावा खत्रवट कवत बखाण |
+सतिवत जूंझण रण सरैं , छत्रिय , प्रौहित राण ||<ref name=":0" />
+== Historical background ==
+=== Mythological mention and legend ===
+There is evidence in the [[Puranas]] that every state had a Rajpurohit, [[Rajguru]] or [[Guru|Kulguru]], who were mostly famous Saptarishis or their descendants. [[Vasishtha|Vashishtha]] was the Rajguru of the [[Ikshvaku]] clan in the [[Kosala]] kingdom. During the [[Mahabharata]] period, [[Kripa]]charya, [[Drona]]charya for Kuruvansh, and later Dhaumya Rishi held this position for the [[Pandava]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dutt |first=M.N. |title=Mahabharata of Vyasa |publisher=Parimal Publications |year=2008 |isbn=978-8171101962 |edition=1st |language=sa, en|trans-title=English}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=October 2024|reason=inline quote and page no should be given}}
+[[File:The Battle between Arjuna and his Guru, Dronacharya (6124601251).jpg|thumb|'''The Battle between [[Arjuna]] and his Guru, [[Drona]]charya''']]
+In the mythologies, the character of Rajpurohit is said to be one of the major characters who used to express his opinion on every matter of the state and played an important role in the [[battlefield]]. According to [[folklore]], there is mention of four Rajpurohit or [[Guru|Kulguru]] [[Purohita|Purohit]] along with four [[Rajput]] branches by the [[Yajna]] of [[Guru]] [[Vasishtha|Vashishtha]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
+In the [[Vedic period]], the position of the Rajpurohit was also traditional in many groups of the [[Aryan]] clan. Being the guru (teacher) of the state, he was called Rajguru. The Rajpurohit was the guide of the king. He was a [[teacher]], [[Philosophy|philosopher]], [[warrior]], and prominent representative of the [[State (polity)|state]]. The Rajpurohit was selected from among the descendants of great [[Sage (philosophy)|sages]] who were knowledgeable in state [[wikt:adminstration|administration]], [[politics]], [[religion]], [[business]] [[ethics]], [[war]], [[archery]], [[weapon]]s, etc. Since the [[Maurya Empire|Maurya]] period, Brahmins with high qualities and versatile talents were appointed for many [[public administration|political]] and [[civil administration]] works.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kautilya |title=Arthashastra by Kautilya |date=10 January 2021 |publisher=Fingerprint Publishing |isbn=978-9354403705 |edition=1st |language=English}}</ref> Over time this position became [[hereditary title|hereditary]].
+=== Social Formation in medieval period ===
+They attained the [[Feudalism|feudal]] status during the [[Rathore dynasty|Rathore rule]] in the [[medieval period]]. They were as much into mentoring the [[royal house]], educating princes, guiding the king, providing advice on the matters of welfare of the [[Monarchy|state]], and performing religious duties as they were into helping maintain the security of the kingdom by being actively involved in [[battle]]s. Rajpurohits were incorporated into the feudal structure of [[Rajasthan]], as they received grants of villages, called [[jagir]]s, from the [[King|rulers]] from time to time. Consequently, they came closer to [[Rajput]]s in terms of [[tradition]] and [[Lifestyle (social sciences)|way of life]]. Though they retained the [[Historical Vedic religion|Brahminical]] customs of [[vegetarianism]], wearing of [[Upanayana|Janeu]], and others. Recognised by the [[royal court]], they could provide competent services in every field of the state, be it [[Administration (government)|administrative]], [[Politics|political]], or [[Strategy|strategic]]. However, this caste is formed of [[Purohita|purohits]] from certain areas of Rajasthan such as [[Marwar]] and [[Mewar]]. Based on their services and merit, they were granted many [[jagir]]s, [[Thikana]], and [[Feudalism|feudal lands]]. These villages or land were considered to be free from any [[King|ruler]] and were outside the ambit of any form of [[tax]]. That’s why there is a difference in [[tradition]]s between the Rajpurohit and other [[Brahmin]] castes. There are many [[clan]]s in the Rajpurohit caste but the most prominent among them are Sevad, Sodha, [[Rajguru]], Manana, Udesh and Jagarwal. Much information about these clans comes from the ledgers of the [[jagir]]s and thikanas granted to them and some information from the historical sources of [[Marwar|Raj Marwar]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nath Reu |first=Vishveshwer |title=Marwar ka Itihas |publisher=Rajasthani Granthagar |year=2019 |isbn=9789387297722 |edition=2nd |location=Jodhpur |publication-date=1 January 2019 |language=Hindi}}</ref>
+By the medieval period, many societies under [[Rathore dynasty|Rathore]] rule laid more emphasis on strategic power and political [[empowerment]] so that they could prove their worth and serve in the [[royal court]]. During the time of [[Maldeo Rathore|Rao Maldev]], Rajpurohits got the opportunity to get important positions in the [[Feudalism|feudal system]]. [[Maldeo Rathore|Rao Maldev]] who was once saved from a lion by Rajpurohit Pratap Singh by piercing dagger into the heart of lion, compelled him to give the title of "Singh" to Rajpurohits.
+[[File:Akheraj rajpurohit.jpg|thumb|Patshah Akheraj Rajpurohit]]
+[[Akheraj Rajpurohit|Akheraj Singh Rajpurohit]], in late 17th century, was one of the most important confidants of Maharaj [[Jaswant Singh of Marwar|Jaswant Singh]] who later also served and protected Prince [[Ajit Singh of Marwar|Ajit Singh]]. Ajit Singh gave Akheraj ji titles like “Patshah” and “Anvi” declaring him the King of Rajpurohits.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sevaṛa |first1=Prahalādasiṃha |title=Rājapurohita jāti kā itihāsa |date=2021 |isbn=978-93-90179-06-0 |edition=Dvitīya saṃsodhita saṃskaraṇa |location=Jodhapura}}</ref>
+<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jahoor Khan Mehar |first=Munshi Hardayal Singh |title=Report Mardumshumari Rajmarwar 1891 E. |publisher=RAJASTHANI GRANTHAGAR |year=2019 |isbn=9788186103321 |edition=1st |location=Jodhpur |language=English, Hindi}}</ref>
+[[File: Kesari singh rajpurohit marwar.jpg|thumb|Kesari Singh Rajpurohit on his horse]]
+Keshri Singh Akherajot<ref name="ReferenceA">Dr Prahalad Singh [[Rajpurohit]],"Veer Kesari Singh Rajpurohit ka Jasprakash"</ref> was the son of [[Akheraj Rajpurohit|Akheraj Singh Rajpurohit]] and is regarded as one of the greatest warriors of all time in the history of Marwar. He was the Rajguru of [[Abhay Singh of Marwar|Abhay Singh]] and [[Bakht Singh (Maharaja)|Bakht Singh]]. In 1730, Battle of Ahmedabad against Sarbuland Khan, he performed Saka and won the war for Marwar. He is one of the few warriors in the history of Rajputana whose torso fought and slew enemies even after being beheaded. This is why he is referred as "Bhomiya" and "Junjhaar" and worshipped as folk deity.
+=== Notable personalities in modern era ===
+. Dr. Prahlad Singh Rajpurohit (Akherajot) - 1st historian to bring out the history of Rajpurohits.
 ==References==