History of Rajasthan - Rajasthan Travel Guide

This large place has been inhabited since 2500 BC. The Indus Valley Civilization that we know had its roots in the northern part of Rajasthan where tribes Bhil and Mina dwelled. Aside from these two tribes, the Rajputs, Nath, Jats, Ahirs and Gujars also had their contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. It was not easy for many difficulties had to be faced just to protect the culture of the land.

The Rajputs arose from the mixing of various races that settled in Rajasthan around 1400 BC. These include the Afghans, Turks, Persians and Mughals. Then in 7 AD or the times of Harsha up to the founding of the Delhi Sultanate, many kingdoms fought for the area of Rajasthan until they branched out into 36 royal clans. The Rajputs, with all their wealth and power gained the reign over the land. Despite the occurrences of many enemies, the Rajputs remained on control until the 14th Century. After the Rajputs decline, the Mughals took in place through the leadership of their Emperor named Akbar. They were able to do that by making marital relations with the Rajputs. But Mughals’ control did not last for long because the Rajputs were able to regain it. Until now, Rajputs’ descendants have high influences over the common men. For that reason, they are said to be considered as the living image of thee knightly noble, brave and handsome. Even under the British Empire, the Rajputs were able to gain importance as they were given durbars, royal polo matches and 21 gun salutes. After India became independent, 23 princely states were combined forming the state of Rajasthan. In the present time, people’s music, folklore and dance entails the heroic exploits of the Raiput warrior kings such as Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha, and Prithviraj Chauhan.

When the Arabs took place in Rajasthan, the Rajputs’ dominance faced a great threat. The immediate response was defensive and the Arabs were repulsed. By the third decade of the 8th Century, occupied Ghazni in Afghanistan and after a while, their army went into India where a lot of temples were destroyed and valuable matters were taken. All of this destruction was under Mahmud, the leader of Ghazni’s army. After his dominion, the control over Rajasthan was taken by Mohammed of Ghori. The land of Delhi and Aimer were captured by the Muslims and up to now, they remain as Muslims. When Mohammed died in 1206, the control went to Qutb-ud-din who became the first of the Sultans of Delhi.

As the Delhi Sultanate weakened in the 16th Century, the Rajputs tried to expand their territory however they were not successful because they got defeated by the Empires they faced specifically by Babur.

India went under many invasions after the years. One of those was by the British Government. At first, the British agreed on the policy of neutrality but not long enough, they made treaties with the Rajputs in which they offered them protection in exchange for their support. The negotiations resulted to the elimination of Maratha in the power and the Rajputs made into puppet leaders. These did not delight the population and because of that, a rebellion arose in 1857 led by Mahatma Gandhi. After World War II, Britain lost its desire to expand territory so they granted India Independence on August 15, 1947.