The Rajput Dynasty: Origin, List of Important States & Dynasties | UPSC Notes

"Rajput" derives from the Sanskrit term raj-putra, meaning "Son of a Monarch." Rajputs were admired for their courage, loyalty, and monarchy. They were the warriors who fought in wars and oversaw the governing responsibilities. The Rajputs came from western, eastern, and northern India and areas of Pakistan. Rajputs were supreme from the sixth to the twelfth century. Rajputs governed in the princely realms of Rajasthan and Saurashtra in a limited majority into the twentieth century.

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Rajput dynasty signifies a set of warrior tribes who were politically eminent in northern and central India since approximately the 7th century AD. Rajput means son of a king ( derivation from Sanskrit, raja-putra), and they trace their origins to the ruling Hindu warrior castes. Rajputs carved many small kingdoms that flourished between the 7th and 12th centuries, ruling mainly areas of present-day Rajasthan and areas in the northern regions of India. They are identified with their martial culture, courage, and struggle against the Islamic invasion in the medieval ages.

In this article, we'll look at the history and socioeconomic conditions of the Rajput during the Rajput period. Study more topics of Medieval History from Testbook, which provides the best quality notes for UPSC Exams. You can also register for the best coaching for the history optional and begin your UPSC IAS preparation journey with Testbook.

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Who were Rajputs?

The Rajputs were a warrior caste and elite community that claimed its origin during the period of decline of the Gupta Empire in northern and central India in the 6th-7th centuries ADD. They were mainly comprised of different clans who posed as Kshatriyas, the classical Hindu warrior and ruler caste. They formed numerous kingdoms in areas like the current state of Rajasthan, some Punjab and central India. Rajput's name was based on the Sanskrit term raja-putra, which means " son of a king, " portraying their royal warrior origin.

About their origins:

• Part of Rajput ancestry origins trace to ancient mythical dynasties as presented in Hindu epics like the Suryavanshi (Solar) dynasty, including Rama, and the Chandravanshi (Lunar) dynasty, including Krishna.
• Agnikula theories are extra-historic ideas about how the Rajputs emerged at a sacrificial fire pit at Mount Abu, and represent an apocalyptic origin of clans ranging through the Parmar, Chauhan, Pratihara and Chalukya. These theories are charismatic in medieval lore texts such as the Prithviraj Raso.
• Historical studies indicate that the Rajputs were a product of integration and social promotion of several groups, tribal, pastoral and local chieftains of possible foreign (e.g. Central Asian) origin, who merged with people of the Kshatriya caste by adopting a martial culture and gaining their credentials due to a genealogy and Brahmanical patronage.
• The Rajput clans were individualistic and would frequently rule themselves as opposed to a cohesive empire. Still, their locations made them representative of a warrior caste protecting their territories around the 8th century and beyond against the invasion of Muslims.
• Rajputs grew to prominence between the sixth and twelfth centuries. Until the twentieth century, Rajputs reigned with an "overwhelming majority" in the princely kingdoms of Rajasthan and Saurashtra, which had the most princely states.

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Background of Rajputs in India

In India, the origin of the Rajput began to emerge, primarily in the northern and northwestern parts, during significant social and political turbulence that emerged after the demise of the Gupta Empire around the beginning of the 6th century AD. Their grounds are controversial, and they are expounded using varied theories:

• Tribal and Local Chieftains Incorporation: Following the collapse of classical Indian society through invasions by tribes like the Hephthalites (White Huns), the Kushans and others in the 5th-6th centuries, several tribal rulers, nobles and military factions became assimilated into the Hindu caste hierarchy as Kshatriya (warrior-lords). A sizeable number of Rajput clans must have grown out of such local tribal and pastoral groups that had gained power and transformed themselves into Kshatriyas over time, a process called Rajputisation, or Kshatriyisation.

• Legendary Lineages: Among the Rajputs, three chief lineages traditionally claim to be descended from the Suryavanshi (Solar dynasty), who purport to be the descendants of the epic hero Rama.

• Chandravanshi (Lunar dynasty ) allegedly descended from Krishna.
• Agnivanshi (Fire lineage) was founded by a mythical fire sacrifice performed at Mount Abu, which medieval legend had given birth to some of the most prominent Rajput clans, such as the Parmar, Chauhan, Pratihara and Chalukya.

• Foreign Origin Theories: Some scholars, particularly under the British colonial rule, ventured that Rajputs were the descendants of foreign warrior tribes like the Saka, Kushana, Hunas, who had been integrated with the local people and accepted as Kshatriyas.

Rajputs ruled many kingdoms in Rajasthan, central India, and northern India during the 7th to 12th centuries. They had a significant role in defending their states against early Muslim invasions. Each of their clans was more or less autonomous and controlled different parts of land, leaving a serious mark on medieval India's cultural, military, and political representations.

15 Important Rajput Kingdoms 

Rajput States and Dynasties

Central Rajput states and dynasties included the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chauhans, Paramaras, Chandelas, Solankis (Chalukyas), and Sisodias of Mewar. These dynasties ruled over various parts of northern, central, and western India from roughly the 7th to 16th centuries, known for their warrior ethos and resistance against invasions, with notable kingdoms such as Mewar, Ajmer, and Kannauj playing key roles in medieval Indian history.

Hindushahi Dynasty

• This dynasty ruled parts of Afghanistan and Punjab.
• Jayapala was the first Rajput king to succeed the last Brahmin king, Bhimdev. In 1001 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni defeated him, after which he immolated himself.
• His successor, Anand Pal, fought against Mahmud but was defeated in the Battle of Waihind in 1008.
• Its last king, Bhimpala, died in 1024. They ruled from 964 AD to 1026 AD.

Chauhan Dynasty

• The Chauhans ruled between 956 and 1192 AD over the eastern parts of the present-day Rajasthan with their capital at Ajmer. They later extended their territory to parts of modern-day Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
• This Rajput dynasty was founded by Simharaj, who is famously known as the founder of the city of Ajmer.
• Prithviraj Chauhan was considered the greatest of all the Chauhan rulers. During his reign, the kingdom extended over Delhi, Ajmer, modern-day Rohilkhand, Kalinjar, Hansi, Kalpi, and Mahoba. He conquered Bhatinda (in Punjab) from the Ghaznavid ruler of Punjab and defeated Muhammad of Ghori in the first battle of Tarain (1191). However, he was defeated in the second battle of Tarain in 1192.

Solanki Dynasty (Chalukya Dynasty of Gujarat)

• The Solankis established their rule over the present-day Indian state of Gujarat between 945 and 1297 AD.
• Their kingdom came into prominence during the reign of Mulraj. They ruled with their capital situated at Anhilwara.

Paramara Dynasty

• Upendra (Krishnaraja) was the founder of this dynasty.
• Bhoja was the most prominent ruler of this dynasty. He built the city of Bhojpur and established the Bhoj Shala, a centre for Sanskrit studies. Malwa enjoyed great political and cultural prestige under the Paramara rule.
  • The Paramaras patronised Sanskrit poets and scholars. The great ruler, Bhoja, was himself a renowned scholar.
• Most of the Paramara kings were Shaivites and established many Shiva temples, although they also patronised Jain scholars.

Chandela Dynasty

• Jayasakthi founded this Rajput dynasty. They ruled the areas across Bundelkhand with Mahoba as their capital.
• The Chandelas are well known for their art and architecture, most notably for the temples at their cultural capital, Khajuraho.
• The dynasty came to an end after Alauddin Khalji conquered Bundelkhand.

Gahadavala Dynasty

• This Rajput dynasty ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for around a hundred years, beginning in the late 11th Century AD.
• Jayachandra, the last powerful king of the dynasty, faced a Ghurid invasion led by Qutb al-Din Aibak. He was defeated and killed at the Battle of Chandawar in 1194 AD.

Bundela Dynasty

• They ruled Bundelkhand from the 16th Century AD onwards.
• The Bundela Dynasty was dominant in the regions surrounding Orchha, located in the Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh.
• This dynasty was established by a Rajput king named Hemkaran around 1048 AD.
• The Bundela dynasty ended with the capture of Orchha by the Mughals under the leadership of Aurangzeb.

Tomara Dynasty

• The Tomara dynasty was one of northern India's minor early medieval ruling houses. The family is known from scattered sources, and it is impossible to reconstruct its history in any detail. Puranic evidence (writings of the Puranas) gives its early location in the Himalayan region.
• According to bardic tradition, the dynasty was one of the 36 Rajput tribes. The family's history spans the reign of Anangapala, who founded the city of Delhi in the 11th Century AD, and the incorporation of Delhi within the Chauhan (Chahamana) kingdom in 1164.
• Although Delhi subsequently became decisively a part of the Chauhan kingdom, numismatic and comparatively late literary evidence indicate that Tomara kings such as Anangapala and Madanapala continued to rule as feudatories, presumably until the final conquest of Delhi by the Muslims in 1192-93.

Other Rajput States

• Parihara Dynasty of Kannauj:

  • Conquered Kannauj in 816 AD, which remained its capital for about a century, and declined in the 10th century.

• Bargujar/Badgujar Dynasty of Rajgarh:

  • One of the most ancient Suryavanshi Rajput tribes, the Badgurjars built numerous monuments, including the famous Neelkanth temple now in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple at Kalinjar, the Ambar Fort and many other palaces and forts at Alwar, Machari, and Sawai Madhopur.
  • Neelkanth, or Rajorgarh, was the capital of the Bargujar tribe. They were also called as the Great Gujjars.

• Chand Dynasty of Kumaon:

  • They were the medieval Rajput ruling clan of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

• Jarrals of Kalanaur and Jammu & Kashmir:

  • Raja Nakashima established the state of Kalanaur and became the first king of Kalanaur. The Jarral dynasty ruled for 750 years. They belonged to the Chandravanshi clan.

• Katoch Dynasty of Kangra:

  • Katochs are a Rajput clan of the Chandravanshi lineage. Their traditional area of residence was in the Trigarta Kingdom, based at Jalandhar and Kangra Fort.
  • They ruled much of Himachal Pradesh and parts of Punjab.

• Pathanias of Nurpur:

  • Ruled from the 11th century to 1849 over parts of northern Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

• Sisodias of Mewar (Udaipur):

  • An Indian Rajput clan from the Suryavanshi clan that ruled the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan.

• Kachwahas of Jaipur:

  • They ruled several kingdoms and princely states, such as Alwar, Ambar (Jaipur) and Maihar.

• Rathores of Marwar (Jodhpur & Bikaner):

  • They ruled several states and claimed to be descendants of the Suryavansha clan.

• Jadeja's of Kutch:

  • Considered to be a part of the Chandravanshi lineage, Jadejas ruled the princely state of Kutch from 1540 to 1948.
• Hadas of Jhalawar, Kota & Bundi.
• Bhatis of Jaisalmer:
  • They identify themselves as a Chandravanshi Kshatriya clan.
• Shekhawats of Shekhawati:
  • The Shekhawat Rajputs ruled over the Shekhawati region for over 500 years.
• Dogra dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir.

Society under the Rajputs

• Religion

  • The Rajputs were staunch followers of Hinduism.
  • They also patronised Buddhism and Jainism.
  • During their period, the Bhakti Cult started.

• Government

  • The Rajput Society was Feudal in its organisational setup.
  • Each kingdom was divided into many Jagirs held by the Jagirdars.

• Major literary works of this period

  • Kalhana's Rajatarangin – 'River of Kings'
  • Jayadeva's Gita Govindam – Song of the cowherd
  • Somadeva's Kathasaritasagar
  • Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, wrote Prithviraj Raso, which refers to the military exploits of Prithviraj Chauhan.
  • Bhaskara Charya wrote Siddhanta Shiromani, a book on astronomy.
  • Rajasekhara – The court poet of Mahendrapala and Mahipala. His best-known works were Karpuramanjari, Kavyamimamsa, and Balaramayana.

• Art and Architecture

  • Mural paintings and miniature paintings were popular.
  • Temples at Khajuraho
  • Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar
  • The Sun Temple at Konark
  • The Dilwara Temple at Mount Abu

Limitations of Rajputs

• The Rajput society was feudal in its organisational set-up. It was divided into various clans and states. One or more hereditary ruling houses ruled each state.
• They fought with each other and exhausted themselves in the process. Also, they lacked political vision and foresight and lacked national consciousness. They preferred personal freedom over political unity. There was no written law for the land, and most Rajput states were ruled based on local customs and tradition.
• Moreover, the Rajputs were known for exemplary courage and chivalry. They were honest, generous and hospitable and kept their word. They carried their pride above anything and rejected the principle of deceit and treachery in the war. These principles worked when they fought with each other, but held no ground when fighting hardy Muslim invaders.
• One of the disturbing features that developed in this period was the rigidity of the caste system and the formation of many subcastes. Brahmins and Kshatriyas continued to enjoy the highest position in society. One significant implication was that the masses could not connect with the ruling classes.
• All the above causes made it easy for the Muslim invaders, and when they invaded India, the Indian society collapsed due to internal weakness.

Importance of Rajputs

• The importance of Rajputs can be gauged from the fact that the Rajputs were the central defenders of the Hindu religion and culture from the Muslim aggression. The bravery and courage in times of adversity have inspired the generation and still inspire. They were great warriors who laid down their lives for the honour of their family, clan, and regional leaders.
• The Rajput women enjoyed considerable freedom and respect in society. They were known for their chastity and devotion to their husband. To save their honour, they committed jauhar with pride.

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Economic Condition of Rajputs

The economic status of Rajputs was mainly agrarian, as agriculture was the primary source of income, supplemented by irrigation strategies such as canals, tanks, and artificial lakes. They raised land revenue mostly in cash, and farm produce supplemented by cash income from forests, minerals and fines. They also controlled essential trade routes, which helped them gain wealth in addition to their agricultural production. Yet, there were certain phases of ruination of the industry and economic troubles connected with feudal autocracy and civil discords. Overall, they had a combination of feudal agrarian and mercantile wealth in their economy.

Agriculture is the main occupation:

• Agriculture as the primary occupation: Agriculture was the people's basis. The Rajput monarchs created canals and tanks for irrigation and collected rainwater in artificial lakes.
• Dams were also built. Irrigation facilities benefited the agricultural and economic status of peasants, even though they were occasionally subjected to abuse at the hands of authoritarian feudal leaders.

Taxes:

• Land revenue was the primary source of income, and it was calculated using a formula based on soil fertility, irrigation infrastructure, and other factors.
• Land revenue was mainly paid in farm products, with cash for good measure. Additional sources of revenue were gifts, fines, minerals, forests, and leased-out territories.

Industry:

• Even though there were various sorts of industries, the overall sector status worsened over the period.
• The following industries were significant: Cotton cloth production, a woollen fabric, the weapons industry, Salt production, creating high-quality artistic works, Statues made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals), making pottery, making ornaments, and Other industries included 'gur' production, sugar, oil, and liquor production, among others.

Trade and Commerce:

• Both internal and foreign trade have diminished. The trade balance did not continue in India's favour.
• Along with seaborne trade, India also had land-based overseas trade. Because of the collapse of the Roman Empire, India's seaborne trade declined.

Political Organisation of Rajputs

• The nation had no political unity, and northern India was fragmented into autonomous kingdoms ruled by several clans.
• The Rajaputs' political organisation was founded on the feudal system, meaning officers were paid in land grants rather than a salary.
• This method proved highly faulty because the monarch had no direct control over the money.
• As a result, the kingdom was fragmented into several petty principalities that did not even unify during times of national crisis.
• The Rajput army was made up of infantry, cavalry, and elephants. The Rajputs had very high moral welfare standards.
• They never assaulted an unarmed opponent and never used deception or treachery in warfare.
• The Rajputs were highly proud of their clans and devoted allegiance to only their leader. As a result, different clans developed reciprocal rivalry.
• This split the ordinarily valiant Rajputs, making them easy prey for the Muslim invaders.
• The Rajputs had a strong desire to battle. This resulted in a waste of both personnel and resources.
• The Rajput administration, on the other hand, was commendable. Land revenue, which was the primary source of income, accounted for one-tenth of total output. Taxes were low, and people's lives were generally prosperous.

Society and Customs:

• The Rajputs were endowed with several virtues. They were generous and welcoming. Even their adversaries found them to be compassionate and forgiving.
• Women were highly revered, although they were seen as inferior to men. The guys risked their lives to preserve their honour and dignity.
• In a swayamvara, a woman was free to pick her husband. There was no purdah regime.
• Polygamy was common, but the birth of a daughter was deemed unlucky, and many Rajputs slaughtered the newborn female child. The ladies were devoted to their husbands and readily performed sati and jaubar.
• The caste system grew extremely strict and intricate. Several new castes and sub-castes arose.
• The Brahmins and Kshatriyas were highly respected, whilst the Vaishyas and Shudras were deemed lower castes.
• The monarchs and nobility lived in opulence. There was no shortage of riches, and the Rajputs typically enjoyed carefree lifestyles.

Religion:

• Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism were the three major religions that flourished throughout this period. However, because the Rajput monarchs were Hindus, Jainism and Buddhism were less popular than Hinduism.
• Vishnu and his avatars were widely worshipped. Shiva and Shakty, or the goddesses Durga and Kali, were popular deities.
• The Rajput monarchs erected several temples devoted to Hindu gods and goddesses.
• The Rajput women were deeply devout and spent most of their time studying holy books.
• Hindu reformers such as Kumaril Bhatt and Adi Shankaracharya were accepted into Hinduism. As a result, Jainism and Buddhism declined.

Education and Literature:

• Rajput monarchs were avid supporters of art and literature. They emphasised education and learning. However, education was mostly restricted to Brahmins and higher caste Hindus. The Vedas and grammar were the primary disciplines studied.
• The Rajput lords donated money to the institutions of Nalanda and Vikramshila.
• The Rajput rulers were avid readers and supporters of literature. They patronised numerous poets, academics, bards, and so on in their courts.
• Some Rajput monarchs, such as Raja Munja and Raja Bhoja, were talented poets and dramatists.
• Several vital works in poetry, grammar, astronomy, literature, theatre, romance, and history were compiled during the Rajput period.
• These essential works include Jaideva's Gita Govinda and Krishna, Bana's Harsha Charitra and Kadambari, and the classic Sanskrit work Somadeva Kathasaritsagara.

Education and Science:

• Education was restricted to a tiny group: Brahmans and certain upper-class people.
• Nalanda, in Bihar, was a well-known centre of higher learning. Vikramasila and Uddandapura were also major centres.
• Several Saiva learning centres emerged in Kashmir. Religion and philosophy were popular topics for study and debate.
• Overall, the advancement of scientific knowledge has slowed.
• Since society became more strict, most thinking has been confined to traditional philosophy. India has acquired an insular mindset, cut off from the main currents of scientific thought outside India.
• Science was not given adequate scope or chance to grow.

Caste System:

• During this time, the impairments endured by the lower classes worsened. Most employees, such as weavers, fishermen, barbers, and so on, and tribes, were oppressed.
• Rajputs had arrived on the scene as a new caste. Over time, all reigning families from diverse castes were categorised as Rajputs.

Rajput Women:

• Rajput women were expected to undertake home labour, but they were also competent for fighting and were not afraid to go into battle if there were fewer males in the force.
• However, if the king and all his warriors are killed in battle, Rajput women opt to commit suicide rather than becoming prisoners of other kingdoms.
• This ceremony, known as 'Johar,' was solely performed by Rajput women.

Paintings:

• Rajput paintings are divided into the Rajasthani and the Pahari schools.
• The Bhakti religion heavily influenced the paintings' topics, and they typically portray scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as Radha and Krishna in various moods.
• The approach used by both schools is similar, and both have used brilliant colours to show scenes from ordinary people's lives.

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