The Rajputs were a clan of brave and powerful kings dominating the northern, western, and central parts of India during the 11th and 12th centuries. Their stronghold existed over present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. In fact, the distinct culture and traditions of Rajasthan practiced even today are attributed to the Rajputs.
The Rajput rulers belonged to numerous different clans and often fought one another as well. They had different languages, traditions, dialects, and warfare strategies. But the one thing which was common among all of them was the extreme heroism exhibited during the course of their history.
Indian Mural in the fort at Jodhpur Showing a Royal Procession, Including Elephant and Courtiers from the Rajput Era
The Rajput rulers were extremely proud when it came to accepting death over defeat. For them dying on the battlefield is easier than admitting defeat. Even the women proudly accepted “sati” if their husbands died, but would never capitulate to any other man. Here, we shall see the origins of the Rajputs and how their heroism changed the landscape of the country forever.
The term Rajput is derived from the word, “Rajputra” meaning “the king’s son”.
There is a popular belief that the Rajputs are in fact the Aryans who invaded North-western India. Another theory states that Rajputs are actually the Kshatriyas existing in India since the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Historically, Rajputs consist of various clans belonging to pastoral, tribal, brahmin, and even shudra communities. The Chauhans of Ajmer, Tomaras of Delhi, Pratiharas of Kannauj, Chamanas of Jalor, Chalukyas, Chandelas, Sisodiyas, etc were some of the famous dynasties ruling in different parts of India.
In the 7th century CE post the fall of the Gupta empire, the Rajputs started emerging.
After Mohammad Bin Qasim conquered Sindh in 711 CE, he invaded other parts of western India, only to be repelled by the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan.
From the 10th century onwards Rajputs established a strong empire all over northern and western India.
However, they were not able to push back Mahmud Ghaznavi who invaded India 17 times during the 11th century. He also plundered and destroyed the famous Somnath temple, while the ruler of the Solanki dynasty fled the capital.
Heroism was the very essence of the Rajput rule. It was something that was embedded in their culture and tradition.
As mentioned earlier, death was easier for them than defeat. This proves that for them respect and pride were worth more than anything.
The stories of their valor were recorded in stories and poems like Prithviraj Raso, Citorera Yuddha, Gita Govinda, Rajatarangini, Mahaviracharita, Kavyamimansa, etc.
Rulers like Prithviraj Chauhan, Rana Pratap, Rana Sanga, etc are some of the most famous Rajput rulers.
A famous incident of Rajput was portrayed by Prithviraj Chauhan after he won the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 against Mohammad Ghori. Despite the victory, Prithviraj let Ghori live, as Rajputs don’t kill unarmed humans.
Women also showcased extreme valour and heroism. Almost all women practiced “sati” after their husbands died.
However, this pride and heroism led to numerous conflicts among the smaller clans. They often fight for wealth, land, cows, or even respect. This weakened the unity of the empire.
The position of women might be lower than men, but numerous conflicts took place for women as well.
Towards the end of the 12th century, this tradition of heroism led to the eventual downfall of the Rajput kingdoms.
There were numerous reasons for the fall of the Rajputs, some of which are mentioned below −
India was divided into smaller political units safeguarding their own familial interests, not the country. This led to the weakening of the defenses.
There was no permanent defense force since the army depended on feudal lords for soldiers.
Primitive modes of warfare were deployed. Whereas the attacking Turks rode on horses and swiftly sliced the opposition
The kings themselves indulged in luxurious lifestyles, draining the treasury.
The enormous riches of India attracted the Turks, Arabs, and Central Asian tribes for a long. However, most of India’s gold was stored in temples. Hence temples became a favorite for attacks. For example- the Somnath Temple plunder in 1025 CE.
The Rajputana morals and heroism came back to haunt them after Mohammad Ghori slayed Prithviraj Chauhan after the latter’s loss in the Second Battle of Panipat. This event eventually led to the establishment of Muslim rule in India.
Despite the looming threat the western part of India was never properly guarded. Owing to their pride these Rajput clans continued to fight each other and did not put up a united front against the foreign invasions.
Adding to the pride of Rajput rulers, the society itself was divided bitterly into different castes. Hence there was no feeling of nationalism and equality among the general populous.
The Muslim invaders attacked with the intention of spreading Islam in the wealthiest country of the time. Hence there was religious zeal in their attack, while Indians just fought to defend themselves.
The Rajputs inherited a mighty and rich country from the Guptas in northern India. And the country continued to prosper under them for a few centuries. With their bravery and heroism, people respected the rulers and were proud of their community. But as time passed there was extreme division in the society on the basis of caste. This eventually led to the downfall of the Rajput kingdom first in Northern India and then the rest of the subcontinent as well. Finally, the Delhi sultanate officially took over the reins in 1206 with the establishment of the Slave dynasty. Eventually, it was Babur who ended their rule in 1526 after the First Battle of Panipat.
Q1. Which region of India did the Solankis rule?
Ans. In the year 940 CE, the Solanki rule began in north-western India. The dynasty rule till 1244 CE spreading through the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Q2. Why has India historically been weak in cavalry warfare?
Ans. Cavalry warfare involves soldiers riding a vehicle. In the past, it was the horses. Now Indian cavalry has been weak owing to the inferior quality of horses as compared to the Arabic and Central Asian horses.
Q3. Who was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Ans. Mohammad Ghori went back after winning the second battle of Tarain. But installed his slave Qutub ud din Aibak as the first ruler of the Slave dynasty in India. He ruled from 1206 to 1210 CE.
Q4. Why were the temples so rich in India?
Ans. Temples received humungous amounts of donations from the common people, merchants, and even the rulers. Their maintenance was financed by the ruler.
Q5. Who did Babur defeat to establish Mughal rule in India?
Ans. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi at Panipat to establish Mughal rule in India. He ruled only for four years. But the Mughals firmly ruled over almost the entire India till 1707 CE.
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Economics
Psychology
Environmental Science
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
English