Colorful Rajasthan Tours --»
Introduction of Rajasthan --»
History of Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the land of kings, has always fascinated its visitors with its glorious pasts and rich history. The history of royal and imperial Indian state of Rajasthan dates back to about 5000 years ago with parts of North Rajasthan at the center of the Indus Valley Civilization. The history of this culturally rich and historic Indian state can be classified into four major groups; Ancient Period, Medieval Period, Modern Period and Post Independence.
Ancient Period, Up to 1200 AD
During this period Rajput clans emerged. They ruled different parts of Rajasthan. Before this period, Rajasthan was a part of many republics including the glorious Mauryan Empire. Rajasthan was governed by many Rajput kings during the period of 700 Ad to 1200 AD.
Medieval Period, 1201 to 1707
During medieval era (around 1200), major regions of Rajasthan were Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthambhore. They come under the Mughal governance headed by Mughal emperor Akbar. At the beginning of the 13th century, Mewar emerged as most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan.
Many Rajputs kingdoms eventually became subservient to the Delhi Sultanate, but many Rajputs also opposed the Muslim invasions into India. Mewar powerfully resisted to Muslim Rule. Rana Sanga fought the Battle of Khanua against Babur, the founder of the Mughal kingdom.
Raja Uday Singh of Mewar, who founded the city of Udaipur, never accepted Akbar’s governance. He was a constant war with Akbar. Chittor, the capital of Mewar region, was forcibly seized by Akbar. After the death of Udai Singh, his son Rana Pratap Singh continued the struggle with Mughal emperor Akbar.
Rana Pratap Singh fought a terrible fight with Akbar at the Haldighati Pass but unfortunately he was defeated and wounded. Since then Rana Pratap remained in recluse. He attacked the Mughal ruler from time to time. He fought bravely throughout his life. He never gave up his independence to the Mughal Ruler. Really, he was a great warrior and patriot of India.
Modern Period, 1707 to 1947
After 1707, the Mughal power and political power of Rajasthan began to decline. Marathas emerged as a new power in Rajasthan after decline of Mughal power. In the year of 1755, the Maratha general Scindia established Maratha control over Ajmer. The beginning of the 19th century was marked by the attack of the Pindaris. Later, Rajput kings accepted British sovereignty in return of local self-government and protection from the Marathas. Thus began the British rule over Rajasthan, and then called Rajputana.
Post Independence
Formerly known as Rajputana, Rajasthan during the time of India’s independence consisted of 18 princely states. In November 1956, all princely states were merged into a single state and called today’s Rajasthan.
