He came to power by defeating his patricide predecessor Rana Udai Singh I in battles at Jawar, Darimpur and Pangarh.
By marrying Rathorji Shringar Deiji (daughter of Rao Jodha) Rana Raimal ended the long standing conflict with Rathore Rajputs.
But as fate would have it, Udai Singh I killed his father, the legendary Rana Kumbha, while he was praying to Lord Eklingji (Shiva) and ruled for five years.
Raimal's son Prithviraj joined his father at a crucial time in the war and directly attacked Surajmal.
Many such skirmishes occurred till Surajmal finally left Mewar and settled at Pratapgarh where his descendants still flourish and keep up the name of Sisodia clan.