Rajasthan : Pre Independence Kingdoms

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Rajasthan was a part of the illustrious Mauryan Empire around 321-184 BCE. It had also been a part of Republics like Arjunyas, Hunas, Kushans, Malavas, Saka Satraps and the Yaudheyas. The Guptas reigned in the 4th century. Some Buddhist caves and Stupas have been found in Jhalawar, in the southern part of Rajasthan. The decline of the 300 year old Gupta Empire in the 5th century led to the political unrest in the Northern India and was followed by an epoch of instability as numerous chieftains tried to gain power. The situation was stabilized when the Gurjara Pratiharas, the earliest of the Rajput dynasty emerged around 700 CE. Since then Rajasthan was identified as Rajputana or the land of the Rajputs.[citation needed] The term Rajput literally means the son of a king. # From 640 CE onwards, the Pratiharas, Chauhans and Gahlots set up independent Kingdoms.[citation needed] Around 1000-1200 AD, the Rajputs had internal strife among themselves and were engaged in armed conflicts with each other. A struggle for supremacy took place among the Parmars, Chalukyas, and Chauhans. During the eighth – twelfth century AD, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and altogether the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties like the Hadas of Jhalwawar, Kota & Bundi, Sisodias of Mewar, the Bhatis of Jaisalmer, the Shekhawats of Shekhawati, the Kachhwahas of Jaipur and The Chauhans of Ajmer, the Rathores of [[Marwar] Jodhpur]]. Rajasthan includes most of Rajputana, comprising a number of Rajput kingdoms as well as Jat kingdoms and a Muslim kingdom. The Jats were rulers in Bharatpur and Dholpur. Tonk was ruled by a Muslim Nawab. Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, and Jaipur were some of the main Rajput states. Rajput families rose to prominence in the 6th century CE,[citation needed] establishing kingdoms in Rajputana and across northern India.

Medieval Period

Maharana Pratap, a Rajput ruler and great warrior of his time.Mughal emperor Akbar sent many missions against him. However he survived and ultimately gained control of all areas of Mewar excluding fort of Chittor.

Prithviraj Chauhan fought a brave battle against the foreign invader Muhammad Ghori and defeated him in the first battle of Tarain in 1191 CE (but was defeated in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE), but was defeated in the seventeenth battle with Ghori. After getting defeated for sixteen times, Ghori begged for his life saying a sentence with a literal meaning “I am your cow, Forgive”. In the seventeenth battle, a traitor from Chauhan’s kingdom supported Ghori’s army and landed up in the defeat. What happens after this is clear from the local folk songs still prominent in Rajasthan. It is said that PrithviRaj was taken to Afghanistan along with his raj-kavi cum friend, Chandbhar. In Ghori’s court, Prithviraj and Chandbhar were brought in shackles. PrithviRaj was asked to show the art of archery, wherein he could aim and shoot just by hearing the Sound. It is also known as Shabdbhedi-baan. Ghori asked him to show him this art. To make game interesting for himself, he got his eyes pierced with hot iron rods. Chandbhar says, “A king, though as a prisoner, can receive command only from a king. So it would be an honour if you command Him to shoot”. Then he says few verses or poetry, few of those lines were,”Char baans chobis guz, aangal asht pravan, maar maar mote to chook na Chauhan”. Chaar baans meant four bamboos stick, chaubis guz as approximately 24 yards, aangal asht praval meant eight fingers width. All this combined gave thew exact location of Ghori sitting on his throne i.e. 4 bamboos stick high, 24 yards away and exactly eight fingers up was the Ghori sitting. “Go ahead O Chauhan and don’t miss the aim”. This is how PrithviRaj kills Ghori in his court and obviously to meet his own death. Grave of PrithviRaj Chauhan is present till date next to Ghori’s grave. And after the defeat of Chauhan around 1200 AD a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur and Ajmer. Ranthambhor was also under their suzerainty.In the 12th century the Bhatti rajputs of jaselmer so enragged the empror Alo Din Khilji by looting his rich carvan,so his army attacked the state and captured the fort.At their conqure the rajput Women commited the jauhar. At the beginning of the 13th century CE, the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan was Mewar. The Rajputs resisted the Muslim incursions into India, although a number of Rajput kingdoms eventually became subservient to the Delhi Sultanate. Mewar led others in resistance to Muslim rule: Rana Sanga fought the Battle of Khanua against Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire.

# In order to gain the trust of the Rajput rulers, the Mughal Emperor Akbar arranged matrimonial alliances. He also sought reconciliation with the hostile Rajputs after performing the matrimonial alliances. He himself married the Rajput princess- Jodha Bai who was the daughter of the Maharaja of Amber. He granted high offices to a large number of Rajput princes and this maintained very cordial relations with these Rajputs. Soon most of the Rajputs were transformed into friends of Akbar from adversaries and many of them surrendered their kingdoms to Akbar. Rulers like Raja Maan Singh of Amber were trusted allies. However all Rajput rulers were not ready to accept Akbar’s dominance and preferred to remain independent. One such ruler was Raja Uday Singh of Mewar, who founded the city of Udaipur. He never accepted Akbar’s supremacy and was at constant war with him. Akbar forcefully seized Chittor, his capital. After his death, this struggle was continued by his son – Rana Pratap. He fought a terrible battle with Akbar at the Haldighati pass where he was defeated and wounded. Since then Rana Pratap remained in recluse for 12 years and attacked the Mughal ruler from time to time. He fought valiantly throughout his life never ceded his independence to the Mughal ruler.

The traditional sacrifice and the self-respect of the Rajput women are also worth mentioning while discussing the imperial rule of Rajasthan during the medieval epoch. When the Rajput rulers were forced to surrender their kingdoms to other invaders, the Rajput women in order to protect their chastity and self-respect used to Light up a pyre and together they used to jump into the fire thus sacrificing and ending their own lives. This custom of collective sacrifice was known as Jauhar.

Rajasthan’s formerly independent kingdoms created a rich architectural and cultural heritage, seen today in their numerous forts and palaces (Mahals and Havelis) which are enriched by features of Muslim and Jain architecture.

Modern Period

Rajasthan had never been united politically until its domination by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Akbar created a unified province of Rajasthan. Mughal power started to decline after 1707. The political disintegration of Rajasthan was caused by the dismemberment of the Mughal Empire. The Marathas penetrated Rajasthan upon the decline of the Mughal Empire. In 1755 the Maratha general Scindia occupied Ajmer. The beginning of the 19th Century was marked by the onslaught of the Pindaris.

The Rajput kings concluded treaties with the British in the early 19th century, accepting British Sovereignty in return for local autonomy and protection from the Marathas. Following the Mughal tradition and more importantly due to its strategic location Ajmer became a province of British India, while the autonomous Rajput states, the Muslim state (Tonk), and the Jat states (Bharatpur and Dholpur) were organized into the Rajputana Agency. In 1817-18 the British Government concluded treaties of alliance with almost all the states of Rajputana. Thus began the British rule over Rajasthan, then called Rajputana.,

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It is the largest state in India by area, covering 342,239 square kilometers (132,139 sq mi). The state is bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, Gujarat to the west, Haryana and Punjab to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south. The state’s capital and largest city is Jaipur.

Rajasthan is a land of deserts, forts, and palaces. The Thar Desert, the largest desert in India, covers most of the state’s northwestern region. The Aravalli Range, a mountain range that runs through the state, separates the Thar Desert from the rest of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the City Palace in Jaipur, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) in Jaipur. The state is also home to a number of temples, including the Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu and the Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The state is known for its wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. Rajasthan is also home to a number of festivals, including the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Teej Festival, and the Gangaur Festival.

Rajasthan is a state with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries. Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Table of Contents

Pre-Independence Kingdoms of Rajasthan

Rajasthan was once a collection of independent kingdoms. The most powerful of these kingdoms were Marwar, Mewar, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Udaipur.

Marwar was the largest and most powerful of the Rajput kingdoms. The capital of Marwar was Jodhpur. The rulers of Marwar were known as the Rathores.

Mewar was the second most powerful of the Rajput kingdoms. The capital of Mewar was Udaipur. The rulers of Mewar were known as the Sisodias.

Jaipur was the third most powerful of the Rajput kingdoms. The capital of Jaipur was Jaipur. The rulers of Jaipur were known as the Kachwaha.

Bikaner was the fourth most powerful of the Rajput kingdoms. The capital of Bikaner was Bikaner. The rulers of Bikaner were known as the Bhattis.

Udaipur was the fifth most powerful of the Rajput kingdoms. The capital of Udaipur was Udaipur. The rulers of Udaipur were known as the Sisodias.

The Rajput kingdoms were constantly at war with each other. They were also at war with the Mughal Empire. The Mughals were able to conquer most of the Rajput kingdoms, but they were never able to conquer Mewar.

The Rajput kingdoms were finally united in the 19th century under the Leadership of Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Marwar. Jaswant Singh was able to unite the Rajput kingdoms against the British East India Company. The Rajput kingdoms were eventually defeated by the British, but they never lost their pride or their culture.

Conclusion

What are the most famous kingdoms in Rajasthan?

The most famous kingdoms in Rajasthan are:

The Mewar Kingdom, which was founded in 734 CE by Bappa Rawal.
The Marwar Kingdom, which was founded in 1226 CE by Rao Jodha.
The Amber Kingdom, which was founded in 1037 CE by Raja Man Singh Tomar.
The Bundi Kingdom, which was founded in 1347 CE by Rao Deva Hada.
The Kota Kingdom, which was founded in 1409 CE by Rao Bhoj.

What were the main characteristics of the kingdoms in Rajasthan?

The main characteristics of the kingdoms in Rajasthan were:

They were all Hindu kingdoms.
They were all ruled by Rajput kings.
They were all located in the northwestern part of India.
They were all founded in the 10th or 11th century CE.
They all lasted until the British Raj in the 19th century CE.

What was the relationship between the kingdoms in Rajasthan?

The relationship between the kingdoms in Rajasthan was often hostile. They often fought each other for territory and power. However, they also sometimes allied themselves with each other against a common enemy, such as the Mughal Empire.

What was the impact of the British Raj on the kingdoms in Rajasthan?

The British Raj had a significant impact on the kingdoms in Rajasthan. The British gradually took control of the kingdoms, and they eventually abolished them in the 19th century CE. The British also introduced many changes to the kingdoms, such as introducing new laws and taxes.

What is the legacy of the kingdoms in Rajasthan?

The kingdoms in Rajasthan left a significant legacy. They built many impressive forts and palaces, which are still standing today. They also played an important role in the history of India.

Which of the following is not a kingdom of Rajasthan?
(A) Mewar
(B) Marwar
(C) Jaipur
(D) Bikaner
The capital of Mewar was:
(A) Udaipur
(B) Jaipur
(C) Jodhpur
(D) Bikaner
The founder of the Marwar kingdom was:
(A) Rao Jodha
(B) Maharaja Man Singh
(C) Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
(D) Maharaja Pratap Singh
The capital of Marwar was:
(A) Jodhpur
(B) Jaipur
(C) Udaipur
(D) Bikaner
The founder of the Jaipur kingdom was:
(A) Rao Jodha
(B) Maharaja Man Singh
(C) Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
(D) Maharaja Pratap Singh
The capital of Jaipur was:
(A) Jodhpur
(B) Jaipur
(C) Udaipur
(D) Bikaner
The founder of the Bikaner kingdom was:
(A) Rao Jodha
(B) Maharaja Man Singh
(C) Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
(D) Maharaja Karan Singh
The capital of Bikaner was:
(A) Jodhpur
(B) Jaipur
(C) Udaipur
(D) Bikaner
The most famous ruler of Mewar was:
(A) Maharana Pratap Singh
(B) Maharana Sangram Singh
(C) Maharana Udai Singh
(D) Maharana Jagat Singh
The most famous ruler of Marwar was:
(A) Rao Jodha
(B) Maharaja Man Singh
(C) Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
(D) Maharaja Karan Singh
The most famous ruler of Jaipur was:
(A) Rao Jodha
(B) Maharaja Man Singh
(C) Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
(D) Maharaja Pratap Singh
The most famous ruler of Bikaner was:
(A) Rao Jodha
(B) Maharaja Man Singh
(C) Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
(D) Maharaja Karan Singh
The Mewar kingdom was founded in:
(A) 1303
(B) 1326
(C) 1352
(D) 1382
The Marwar kingdom was founded in:
(A) 1459
(B) 1486
(C) 1503
(D) 1526
The Jaipur kingdom was founded in:
(A) 1567
(B) 1586
(C) 1603
(D) 1626
The Bikaner kingdom was founded in:
(A) 1465
(B) 1486
(C) 1503
(D) 1526
The Mewar kingdom was ruled by the Sisodia Rajputs.
(A) True
(B) False
The Marwar kingdom was ruled by the Rathore Rajputs.
(A) True
(B) False
The Jaipur kingdom was ruled by the Kachwaha Rajputs.
(A) True
(B) False
The Bikaner kingdom was ruled by the Bhatti Rajputs.
(A) True
(B) False