History of Rajasthan, India ‘s northwestern region, which includes Rajasthan, remained largely independent of the great empires in early history, consolidating its hold on the subcontinent. Here, Buddhism struggled to make significant inroads; in History of Rajasthan, the Mauryan Empire (321-184 BC), whose most prominent emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in 262 BC, had limited impact. But at Jhalawar, in southern Rajasthan, there are Buddhist caves and stupas (Buddhist shrines). Ancient Hindu scriptural epics in today’s Rajasthan make reference to sites. Pushkar ‘s holy pilgrimage site is mentioned both in the Mahabharata and in the Ramayma.
The fall of the Gupta Empire, which for nearly 300 years retained dominance in northern India, until the early 5th century, A time of instability followed, as different local chieftains pursued hegemony. In northern India various forces rose and fell. Stability was restored only with the advent of the Gurjara Pratihar as the earliest dynasties of the Rajput (from ‘Rajputra’ or Sons of Princes) to maintain the balance of power over History of Rajasthan later. The rise of the Rajput warrior clans in the 6th and 7th centuries played the most important role in Rajasthan ‘s subsequent history. The term Rajputana originated from these families, through which the group of princely states during the Muslim invasion of India came to be recognized History of Rajasthan.
History of Rajasthan Originally from Gujarat, the Suryavansa Race Sisodias migrated to Rajas-than in the mid-7th century and reigned over Mewar, which included Udaipur and Chittorgarh. The Kachhwa moved west in the 12th century, initially from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. They built the massive fortification at Amber, later moving the capital to Jaipur. As the Sisodias, they belonged to the Suryavansa Race. History of Rajasthan The Rathores (formerly known as Rastrakutas) also belonging to the Suryavansa Race migrated from Kanauj, in Uttar Pradesh. They settled initially in Pali, south of today’s Jodhpur, but later moved to Mandore in1381 and ruled over Marwar (Jodhpur). They later began building at Jodhpur’s breathtaking Meherangarh Fort. In 1156 the Bhattis, who belonged to the Induvansa People, pushed by the Turks from their homeland in the Punjab, arrived at Jaisalmer. They remained more or less rooted in their desert kingdom until after Independence they were incorporated into the state of History of Rajasthan.
History of Rajasthan: Ancient Times or Pre-Rajput Era
The geographic position and favorable situation made Rajasthan a historically strategic location. The first human settlement to be identified in this area dates back to the civilization of the Indus Valley. Proof found in the Rajasthan districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar confirms the presence of the region’s 5,000-year-old human settlements.
Vedic scriptures found in the Brahmavarta (which was once a Vedic state), Mehrangarh, and Rewari (both in Haryana), indicate the presence of ‘SanatanDharam’ in Rajasthan (the foundation of present-day Hinduism). Following excavations near Kalibanga in 1998, signs of the Harappan Civilization were found also. In addition to all these, it is very clear that the Rajasthans are history is as old as the human civilization.
Other historical evidence found throughout the Rajasthan of today also shows that it was once a periodic center of attraction between different rulers and dynasties. Arjunyas, Kushans, Malavas, Saka Satraps, and Yaudheyas were witnesses of some of the eminent Rajasthan empires before 321BCE. The Gupta dynasty, whose evidence can be found in and around the Jhalawar regio, ruled the state after this period Century old Buddhist caves and Stupas were found in these regions.
After the Gupta Empire ‘s collapse, Rajasthan had a new period of history under the rule of Gujara-Pratiharas who came to power by 700CE. This was a time when the desert land became secure, and history started to reshape!
History of Rajasthan: Rise of Rajput Era (Medieval Times)
What we know about today’s Rajasthan is the impression or essence of the much-acclaimed Rajput era which rose to power in the 9th century. Among all the clans and rulers that ruled this part of India, Rajput rulers are still revered as the most influential and considered to be the pioneer of modern-day Rajasthan ‘s formation.
While by the early 8th century the Rajput dynasty began to flourish in the Thar Desert, it was the 9th century when they rose to hegemony and power over the whole of Rajasthan. By the 12th century, this clan split into twenty-one dynasties into a total of thirty-six separate clans. Their visionary knowledge, their taste for excellence, their unbreakable spirit, and patriotism finally made them the most influential rulers across the great Thar Desert.
History of Rajasthan: Rise of Chauhan Era (Medieval Times)
When the rulers of Rajput entered the zenith of power and influence over the Thar Desert, India had foreign invaders coming from countries such as Afghanistan, Kabul and other Muslim countries. While most of the domestic rulers opposed these foreign rulers, most of them died with them against the wrath of the foreigners’ war tactics and massive armies.
The rising outsiders’ fumes gave birth to a 10th-century agreement between the Rajput and Chauhan rulers in which the former helped the latter establish their empire in Rajasthan. With this treaty in place, the Land of Kings survived all the attacks and in most battles against the Muslim rulers and other foreign powers came out victorious. The battler of ‘Tarain’ fought between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Gohri in 1191 was the most significant one among these attacks.
History of Rajasthan: Rise and Fall of Mughal Era (Medieval Times)
Tasting defeat in Tarain ‘s war, Muhammad Gohri invaded Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 and set up Rajasthan’s first Muslim empire. This eventually marked the Chauhan dynasty ‘s collapse and helped the Muslim rulers consolidate and rebuild Rajasthan history.
As the Chauhan dynasty died in the sands of time, Muslim hegemony began to expand and take over nearly all of Rajasthan until a Northern Indian ruler stood up against the Muslim Empire in 1553. It was the courageous ruler called Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (also known by historians as ‘Hemu’), who defeated the then monarchy and hoisted his Rajasthan flag.
In the battle of ‘Panipat’ in 1556 Hemu ‘s rule over Rajasthan crashed into the hands of Mughal emperor Akbar. Defeating Hemu, Akbar showed interest in forming an alliance with the rulers of Rajput; he also married Jodha Bai, a Jodhpur Rajput princess. While most of the current rulers supported and accepted the alliance with Akbar, Mewar rulers such as Raja Maan Singh, who stood against the supremacy of Akbar.
Growing discord and rivalry between the two rulers led to a fierce fight between the two. Through this war, Akbar established his rule all over Rajasthan while having as his faithful allies the majority of the Rajput rulers.
Maharana Pratap; son of Raja Maan Singh, rose again against the Mughal empire, and in 1576 called for the battle of ‘Haldighati’ with Akbar. The result of the battle went against Maharana Pratap and forced him into exile for nearly twelve years while courageously continuing his fight against the Mughal emperor until he succeeded in the battle of ‘Dewar’ in 1588.
Akbar ‘s defeat into Rana Pratap ‘s hands triggered Mughal Empire ‘s collapse for the first time in Rajasthan ‘s history. This downfall also gave birth to a new chivalry system among the current ruler of Rajput and Chauhan, and it continued for a considerable time.
History of Rajasthan: Rise of Maratha Empire (Medieval Times)
The emergence of Maratha Empire in Rajasthan was witnessed in the early 1700’s when PeshwaBaji Rao I from Pune started marching the West. With this, Rajasthan came under the influence of the rulers of Maratha who were the close aides of the rulers of Holkars and Scindhia. With each battle, the Maratha dynasty began to expand its base and eventually took control of most influential Rajput rulers. It was the time, when Pune (also called the ‘Cultural Capital’ of Maharashtra) became the centre of power.
History of Rajasthan: Rise of East India Company (Medieval Times)
With the entry of East India Company during the 19th century, the history of Rajasthan witnessed a whole new shift and dimension. It allowed the British government to enroot their policies and authority among the rulers, as the whole of the state was then governed by different rulers. The newly arrived international business adopted the ‘divide-and – rule’ scheme in carrying out their operations.
Within this time Rajasthan, along with Bharatpur, Dhaulpur, Karauli and others, witnessed the establishment of cities such as Jaipur and Marwar area. The East India Company finally suggested the safety and security of the Rajput ruler from their enemies and asked them to come under British suzerainty. Current day Ajmer city became British Raj ‘s base, while the other princely states were ruled by the Rajput rulers.
History of Rajasthan: Post India’s Independence (Modern Times)
The Nehru-government entered into a political treaty with the Rajput rulers to join independent India after India gained independence from British rulers. Under this arrangement, according to their rank, the Rajput rulers have been given their individual names, property and a daily royalty.
Nevertheless, after Indira Gandhi became Independent India’s prime minister she abolished the institution of monarchy and its titles. As a result, titles were revoked and excess land ceased from the former families.
Rajasthan became a full-fledged member of India after the acquisition of sovereignty and started conducting elections according to Indian government policies. Rajasthan currently has a total of 33 districts, 105 subdivisions, 222-towns, and various villages and tehsils. The state’s first elected Chief Minister (1949-1951) was Heera Lal Shastri followed by other influential politicians. The state is currently under the rule of VasundharaRaje who was twice elected as the chief minister between 2003-2008 and 2103 to present.
