Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar Revives Ancient Tradition by Honoring Rajpurohit Community Representatives After 300 Years

Representatives of the Rajpurohit community from five villages of Marwar have rekindled historic ties with the former royal family of Mewar, Udaipur on April 28, 2025.

Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar honored Rajpurohit leaders from the major Marwar villages of Ghenari, Pilovani, Vandar, Rungdi, and Shivtalav, reviving an ancient tradition that had been dormant for 300 years. Invited to the City Palace, Udaipur, the representatives received honors in accordance with Mewari customs. In return, they expressed their gratitude by honoring Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and his son, Master Haritraj Singh Mewar.

This occasion marked the formal conclusion of the Abola tradition, a 300 year old practice and the restoration of longstanding ties between the Rajpurohit community and the Mewar royal family. Both parties expressed mutual appreciation and committed to nurturing this revived relationship with the same dedication as their ancestors.

Among those present were Mr. Dara Singh Rajpurohit, Mr. Rajendra Singh Rajpurohit, Mr. Jawan Singh Rajpurohit, Mr. Devi Singh Rajpurohit, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Rajpurohit, retired IAS officer Mr. Shyam Singh Rajpurohit, Sarpanch Mr. Narayan Singh Rajpurohit, Mr. Ganesh Singh Rajpurohit, Mr. Ratan Singh Rajpurohit, Dr. Hanuwant Singh Rajpurohit, and Mr. Pushyamitra Rajpurohit.

Following the recent passing of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, representatives from the five villages initially postponed the ceremonies out of respect. Now, over a month later, the ancient traditions have been lovingly restored.

Retired IAS Mr. Shyam Singh Rajpurohit from Pilovani shared that sisters of the Rajpurohit community had historically sent Rakhis to the Mewar royal family annually. While the tradition ceased for 300 years, Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar's initiative promises to renew this bond, with the community eager to continue these rituals as before. Enthusiasm is high across all five villages to rewrite the story of their renewed relationship.

Historically, the bond between the Mewar royal family and the Rajpurohits has been profound. Narayan Das Rajpurohit was martyred fighting alongside Maharana Pratap at the Battle of Haldighati. In recognition of his valor, Maharana Pratap granted his descendants the

villages of Ghenari, Pilovani, Vandar, Rungdi, and Shivtalav as jagir. The Rajpurohits had long served as commanders and close allies of the royal family.

The annual exchange of Rakhi from the villages and Chundari (traditional ceremonial cloth) from the City Palace Udaipur embodied this unique relationship. Although the palace's sending of Chundari stopped, the Rajpurohit women persisted in sending Rakhi for decades, until elders agreed that no Rajpurohit would visit the palace until summoned. This hiatus lasted 300 years until now, when Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar has worked towards restoring this cherished tradition.

Representatives of the Rajpurohit community offering a sword to Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and Master Haritraj Singh Mewar

Representatives of the Rajpurohit community from five villages of Marwar with Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and Master Haritraj Singh Mewar