Kachwaha of Amber

Kachwaha of Amber

The Kachwaha are a caste group with origins in India. Traditionally they were peasants involved in agriculture but in the 20th century they began to make claims of being a Rajput clan. Some families within the caste did rule a number of kingdoms and princely states, such as Alwar, Amber (later called Jaipur) and Maihar.

The Kachwaha are sometimes referred to as Kushwaha. This umbrella term is used to represent at least four communities with similar occupational backgrounds, all of whom claim descent from the mythological Suryavansh (Solar) dynasty via Kusha, who was one of the twin sons of Rama and Sita. Previously, they had worshipped Shiva and Shakti.

The modern-day Kushwaha community, of which the Kachwaha form a part, generally claim descent from Kusha, a son of the mythological avatar of Vishnu, Rama. This enables their claim to be of the Suryavansh dynasty but it is a myth of origin developed in the twentieth century. Prior to that time, the various branches that form the Kushwaha community – the Kachwahas, Kachhis, Koeris, and Muraos – favoured a connection with Shiva and Shakti.  Ganga Prasad Gupta claimed in the 1920s that Kushwah families worshiped Hanuman – described by Pinch as “the embodiment of true devotion to Ram and Sita” – during Kartika, a month in the Hindu lunar calendar.

A Kachwaha family ruled at Amber, which later became known as the Jaipur State, and this branch is sometimes referred to as being Rajput. They were chiefs at Amber and in 1561 sought support from Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The then chief, Bharamail Kachwaha, was formally recognised as a Raja and was invested into the Mughal nobility in return for him giving his daughter to Akbar’s harem. A governor was appointed to oversee Bharamail’s territory and a tribute arrangement saw Bharamail given a salaried rank, paid for from a share of the area’s revenue. The Rajput practice of giving daughters to the Mughal emperors in return for recognition as nobility and the honour of fighting on behalf of the Empire originated in this arrangement and thus the Mughals were often able to assert their dominance over Rajput chiefs in north India without needing to physically intimidate them, especially after their rout of rulers in Gondwana.

The Kushwaha were traditionally a peasant community and considered to be of the stigmatised Shudra varna. Pinch describes them as “skilled agriculturalists”. The traditional perception of Shudra status was increasingly challenged during the later decades of British Raj rule, although various castes had made claims of a higher status well before the British administration instituted its first census. Pinch describes that “The concern with personal dignity, community identity, and caste status reached a peak among Kurmi, Yadav, and Kushvaha peasants in the first four decades of the twentieth century.

From around 1910, the Kachhis and the Koeris, both of whom for much of the preceding century had close links with the British as a consequence of their favoured role in the cultivation of the opium poppy, began to identify themselves as Kushwaha Kshatriya. An organisation claiming to represent those two groups and the Muraos petitioned for official recognition as being of the Kshatriya varna in 1928. This action by the All India Kushwaha Kshatriya Mahasabha (AIKKM) reflected the general trend for social upliftment by communities that had traditionally been classified as being Shudra. The process, which M. N. Srinivas called sanskritisation, was a feature of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century caste politics.

The position of the AIKKM was based on the concept of Vaishnavism, which promoted the worship and claims of descent from Rama or Krishna as a means to assume the trappings of Kshatriya symbolism and thus permit the wearing of the sacred thread even though the physical labour inherent in their cultivator occupations intrinsically defined them as Shudra. The movement caused them to abandon their claims to be descended from Shiva in favour of the alternate myth that claimed descent from Rama. In 1921, Ganga Prasad Gupta, a proponent of Kushwaha reform, had published a book offering a proof of the Kshatriya status of the Koeri, Kachhi, Murao and Kachwaha. His reconstructed history argued that the Kushwaha were Hindu descendants of Kush and that in the twelfth century they had served Raja Jaichand in a military capacity during the period of Muslim consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate. Subsequent persecution by the victorious Muslims caused the Kushwaha kshatryia to disperse and disguise their identity, foregoing the sacred thread and thereby becoming degraded and taking on various localised community names. Gupta’s attempt to prove Kshatriya status, in common with similar attempts by others to establish histories of various castes, was spread via the caste associations, which Dipankar Gupta describes as providing a link between the “urban, politically literate elite” and the “less literate villagers”. Some communities also constructed temples in support of these claims as, for example, did the Muraos in Ayodhya.

Chauhan rulers

The Rajput kings of Chauhan dynasty are believed to belong to Agnivanshi Clan (descendants of the Fire God). The Chauhan Dyansty played a prominent part on the Indian political stage.

Ajayaraja: In the eleventh century the Chauhan dynasty ruled as a local power in the Shakambari region. In the early part of the twelfth century they made a bid for expansion under Ajayaraja who defeated the Paramaras and captured their capital Ujjaini. He also founded the city of Ajmer.

Arnoraja: Arnoraja, the son of Ajayaraja ascended the Chauhan throne in or about 1133 A.D. He defeated an army invaded his kingdom. He had a bitter conflict with the Chalukyas and in the end he acknowledges the suzerainty of Chalukya Jayasimha and married his daughter. But the hostility with the Chalukyas broke out again. Chalukya Kumarapala twice defeated Arnoraja.

Vigraharaja (1158-1163 A.D.): The next important ruler of Chauhan dynasty was Vigraharaja IV who raised the Chauhan Empire to the status of an imperial power by his vast conquests. He probably ruled between 1153 and 1163 A.D. He started his victorious career by conquering from the Chalukyas and the Paramaras a number of small states in Southern Rajputana. But his Northern conquest has given him an undying fame. He conquered Delhi from the Tomaras and took possession of Eastern Punjab. He inflicted defeat on the Muslim ruler of Punjab. The records of his reign give a fair idea of the extent of his kingdom which extended in the north up to the Siwalik Hills and in the south up to Udaipur.

Prithviraj Chauhan III (1168-1192 A.D.): Prithviraj Chauhan is one of the most celebrated Hindu King of Ajmer and Delhi. His birth took place in 1149.  The Chauhan dynasty had long history of rivalry with the Chalukyas of Gujarat. However, Prithviraj decided to adopt the policy of neutrality in the War between King of Gujarat and Mohammed Ghori. He neither supported the Gujarat Kingdom nor Mohammed Ghori. The King of Gujarat inflicted a defeat on Mohammed Ghori.

The real fame of Prithviraj rests upon his struggle with Muhammad of Ghur. Mohammed Ghori followed up his victory by the conquest of Ajmer and Delhi. He placed the young son of Prithviraj as his vassal in Ajmer. But Hariraja, the brother of Prithviraj captured the throne of Ajmer and followed a policy of hostility. Qutubuddin Aibek invaded Ajmer and overthrew Hariraja and took the country. The Chauhan dynasty then retired to Ranthambhor and ruled there in diminishing glory. But in 1301, Ala-ud-din Khilji captured Ranthambhor and uprooted the last stronghold of Chauhan power.,

The Kachwaha of Amber were a Rajput clan that ruled the Amber state in present-day Rajasthan, India. They were one of the most powerful Rajput clans in the region and played a major role in the history of India.

The Kachwaha were originally from the Mewar region of Rajasthan. They were a branch of the Sisodia clan, the rulers of Mewar. In the 12th century, the Kachwaha moved to the Amber region and founded the Amber state.

The Kachwaha were a powerful and influential clan. They were patrons of the arts and literature. They also built many temples and palaces in Amber.

The Kachwaha ruled Amber for over 500 years. In the 16th century, they came under the suzerainty of the Mughal Empire. However, they retained a great deal of autonomy.

In the 18th century, the Kachwaha were involved in a series of wars with the Mughals. In 1727, they were defeated by the Mughals and their state was annexed.

The Kachwaha were restored to power in 1754. However, their power was greatly reduced. In 1803, they were defeated by the British East India Company and their state was annexed.

The Kachwaha continued to rule Amber as a princely state under British suzerainty. In 1947, India gained independence from British rule. The princely states were abolished and the Kachwaha were merged into the Indian state of Rajasthan.

The Kachwaha are still a prominent clan in Rajasthan. They are known for their martial prowess, their loyalty to their clan, and their love of the arts.

Table of Contents

Kachwaha

The Kachwaha are a Rajput clan that originated in the Mewar region of Rajasthan, India. They are one of the most powerful Rajput clans in the region and have played a major role in the history of India.

The Kachwaha were originally a branch of the Sisodia clan, the rulers of Mewar. In the 12th century, the Kachwaha moved to the Amber region and founded the Amber state.

The Kachwaha were a powerful and influential clan. They were patrons of the arts and literature. They also built many temples and palaces in Amber.

The Kachwaha ruled Amber for over 500 years. In the 16th century, they came under the suzerainty of the Mughal Empire. However, they retained a great deal of autonomy.

In the 18th century, the Kachwaha were involved in a series of wars with the Mughals. In 1727, they were defeated by the Mughals and their state was annexed.

The Kachwaha were restored to power in 1754. However, their power was greatly reduced. In 1803, they were defeated by the British East India Company and their state was annexed.

The Kachwaha continued to rule Amber as a princely state under British suzerainty. In 1947, India gained independence from British rule. The princely states were abolished and the Kachwaha were merged into the Indian state of Rajasthan.

The Kachwaha are still a prominent clan in Rajasthan. They are known for their martial prowess, their loyalty to their clan, and their love of the arts.

Amber

Amber, also known as Amer, is a town in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, India. It is located about 11 kilometers from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

Amber was the capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs from the 12th to the 18th centuries. The city is known for its fort, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan.

The Amber Fort is a hill fort located in Amber, Rajasthan, India. It was originally built in the 11th century by the Kachwaha Rajputs, and was later expanded and renovated by successive rulers. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Amber Fort is a massive complex of palaces, temples, and other buildings. It is built on a hilltop, and is surrounded by a moat. The fort is accessible by a steep road, or by a series of steps.

The Amber Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

Rajput

Rajput is a term used to describe a group of warrior clans that originated in northern India. The Rajputs are traditionally Hindus, and they are known for their martial prowess and their loyalty to their clan.

The Rajputs played a major role in the history of India. They were the rulers of many kingdoms in northern India, and they fought against the Mughal

What is the capital of India?

The capital of India is New Delhi.

What is the Population of India?

The population of India is over 1.3 billion people.

What is the Official Language of India?

The official language of India is Hindi.

What is the currency of India?

The currency of India is the Indian rupee.

What is the national animal of India?

The national animal of India is the tiger.

What is the national flower of India?

The national flower of India is the lotus.

What is the national bird of India?

The national bird of India is the peacock.

What is the National Anthem of India?

The national anthem of India is Jana Gana Mana.

What is the National Flag of India?

The national flag of India is a horizontal tricolor of saffron, white, and green with a blue wheel in the center.

What is the motto of India?

The motto of India is Satyameva Jayate, which means “Truth alone triumphs.”

What is the national holiday of India?

The national holiday of India is Republic Day, which is celebrated on January 26.

What is the religion of India?

The majority Religion in India is Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.

What is the type of government in India?

The type of government in India is a federal parliamentary republic.

What is the head of state of India?

The head of state of India is the President.

What is the head of government of India?

The head of government of India is the Prime Minister.

What is the highest court in India?

The highest court in India is The Supreme Court.

What is the largest city in India?

The largest city in India is Mumbai.

What is the most populous state in India?

The most populous state in India is Uttar Pradesh.

What is the most spoken language in India?

The most spoken language in India is Hindi.

What is the Literacy rate in India?

The literacy rate in India is 74%.

What is the GDP of India?

The GDP of India is $2.9 trillion.

What is the GDP per capita of India?

The GDP per capita of India is $2,000.

What is the Unemployment rate in India?

The unemployment rate in India is 6.1%.

What is the POVERTY rate in India?

The poverty rate in India is 21%.

What is the life expectancy in India?

The life expectancy in India is 68 years.

What is the infant mortality rate in India?

The infant mortality rate in India is 34 per 1,000 live births.

What is the literacy rate for Women in India?

The literacy rate for women in India is 65%.

What is the fertility rate in India?

The fertility rate in India is 2.2 children per woman.

What is the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in India?

The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in India is 0.2%.

What is the malaria prevalence rate in India?

The malaria prevalence rate in India is 1.2%.

What is the tuberculosis prevalence rate in India?

The tuberculosis prevalence rate in India is 210 per 100,000 people.

What is the HDI of India?

The HDI of India is 0.624, which is ranked 130th in the world.

What is the Gini coefficient of India?

The Gini coefficient of India is 33.8, which is considered to be high.

What is the Human Development index of India?

The Human Development Index of India is a composite statistic of life expectancy, Education, and per capita income indicators. It is used to rank countries into four tiers: low, medium, high, and very high. India is ranked 130th in the world with a HDI of 0.624.

What is the Gini coefficient of India?

The Gini coefficient is a measure of income inequality. It is calculated by taking the sum of the squares of the differences between the cumulative income distribution and the perfectly equal income distribution

Sure, here are some MCQs on the following topics:

  • The Mughal Empire
  • The MARATHA EMPIRE
  • The British East India Company
  • The Indian Rebellion of 1857

  • The Mughal Empire was founded by:
    (A) Babur
    (B) Humayun
    (C) Akbar
    (D) Jahangir

  • The Maratha Empire was founded by:
    (A) Shivaji Maharaj
    (B) Bajirao I
    (C) Peshwa Bajirao II
    (D) Nana Sahib

  • The British East India Company was founded in:
    (A) 1600
    (B) 1612
    (C) 1660
    (D) 1690

  • The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was also known as:
    (A) The Sepoy Mutiny
    (B) The First War of Independence
    (C) The Indian Mutiny
    (D) The Great Rebellion

  • The Mughal Empire was a Muslim empire that ruled over much of India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It was founded by Babur, a descendant of Timur, in 1526. The Mughal Empire reached its peak under the rule of Akbar, who ruled from 1556 to 1605. Akbar was a tolerant ruler who allowed Hindus to practice their religion freely. He also promoted education and the arts. The Mughal Empire declined after the death of Akbar. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was defeated by the British in 1857.

  • The Maratha Empire was a Hindu empire that ruled over much of India from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It was founded by Shivaji Maharaj in 1674. The Maratha Empire reached its peak under the rule of Bajirao I, who ruled from 1720 to 1740. Bajirao I was a brilliant military strategist who expanded the Maratha Empire to include much of central and northern India. The Maratha Empire declined after the death of Bajirao I. The last Maratha ruler, Shahu II, was defeated by the British in 1818.

  • The British East India Company was a trading company that was founded in England in 1600. The company was granted a monopoly on trade with India by the British Crown. The British East India Company gradually became involved in the politics of India. In 1757, the company defeated the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle Of Plassey. This victory gave the company control of Bengal and marked the beginning of British rule in India.

  • The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against British rule in India. The rebellion began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and spread to other parts of India. The rebels were defeated by the British in 1858. The rebellion had a profound impact on British rule in India. The British government abolished the East India Company and took direct control of India. The rebellion also led to the creation of the Indian National Congress, which would later lead the movement for Indian independence.

Table of Contents

Index