Reveal the Hidden History of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a vibrant state and known as ‘Land of Kings’ in the world. It is the most dazzling place in India that attracts worldwide tourists. It consists number of splendid forts, mansions, palaces and temples and their architectural elegance shows the rich history of Rajasthan.

As Rajasthan is the central potential of wealth and culture, it was ruled by many dynasties that include Rajputs, Marathas, Chauhans, Mughals, and British. Let’s explore the wealthy history of Rajasthan.

• Ancient History:

Ancient Hindu Temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Archaeological department founds that Rajasthan exists for several thousand years. Its first human existence establishes during the Indus Valley Civilization. Human settlement in the Rajasthan has found before 5,000 years ago in Skiar and Jhunjhunu Districts. After excavation, Harappan civilization also found in the Rajasthan that shows the land’s history is as old as human settlement. Also, few Vedic scriptures discovered in the excavation remarks the existence of Hinduism in Rajasthan before thousands of years ago.

Many historical pieces of evidence across Rajasthan highlights that the land was the center of attraction for many rulers and dynasties. Empires like Arjunyas, Malavas, Kushanas, Yaudheyas, and Saka Satraps were the most renowned empires of Rajasthan. These empires witnessed the land before 321BCE. After that, Gupta dynasty ruled the state for long years. Historical evidence of Gupta dynasty has found in the Jhalawar region along with old Buddhist caves and stupas.

• Rise of Rajput Era:

Palace in Rajput Era

In the 9th century, The Rajput’s took over the state. In the history of Rajasthan, this is the most prospering era. Even today, Rajasthan has essence and impression of Rajput dynasty that multiplies the legacy of Rajasthan. Among all the rulers and kings, Rajputs are revered as the pioneer of modern Rajasthan.

In the early 8th century, Rajput Dynasty in the history of Rajasthan started thriving in the Thar Desert. And in the 9th century, Rajput’s were the invincible warriors and rule over the entire Rajasthan. There are various magnificent palaces, forts, temples have built by the Rajput clan, and these architectures are refining the glory of Rajasthan in modern India too.

By the 12th century, Rajasthan dynasty divided into 21 dynasties and 36 clans. Undefeatable spirit, excellence and patriotism made the Rajputs most dominant rulers of Rajasthan.

• Rise of Chauhan era:

Architectural Complex in Chauhan Era

When Rajput rulers had a great command on entire Rajasthan, and when they control over the Thar Desert, foreign invaders started entering India. These invaders were from Kabul, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries. Later on, these invaders waged war against Rajput dynasty. As Rajput had already divided into many families, some rulers perished while fighting against foreign rulers. But some warriors stood against the wrath of war techniques and massive forces of foreign invaders.

Foreign invaders had growing fume and thirst of power, and it leads to the unity of Chauhans and Rajputs in the 10th century. In the battle against Muslim rulers and foreign authorities, these warriors stood like a shield to save their land. And most of the king achieved success in the battle and survive their land from invaders. The war between Muhammad Ghori and the greatest warrior of all time Prithviraj Chauhan was the most significant battle among all these attacks.

• Rise and fall of the Mughal era:

Taj Mahal in Mughal Era

Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori lots of time. But in 1192 Muhammad Ghori attacked Prithviraj Chauhan and unfortunately Ghori won the battle and established the first Muslim Empire in Rajasthan. After that, the downfall of Chauhan dynasty begins and Muslim rulers wee strengthen their power over Rajasthan.

After perishing of Chauhan dynasty, Muslim rulers were at supremacy and had control over the entire Rajasthan. But in 1553, Northen-India rulers began to stand against Muslim dynasty. The valiant ruler Hem Chandra Vikramaditya crushed the foreign invaders in Rajasthan and hoisted his flag on the land.

After that, in 1556, India faced the most indelible battle of Panipat. In this battle, Mughal emperor Akbar perished King Vikramaditya’s rule and forms alliance with many Rajput rulers. Later on, Akbar marries ‘Jodha Bai’. She was a Rajput Princess from Jodhpur. Most of the rulers shook hands with Akbar and form an alliance to save their rule and land. But Warriors like Raja Maan Singh from Mewar never allied with Akbar and stood against his supremacy over Rajasthan.

A disagreement between these two rulers leads the fierce battle in which Akbar defeats the Raja Maan Singh and Akbar established his rule over Rajasthan along with a faithful alliance with some Rajput rulers. After that, son of Raja Maan Singh, Maharana Pratap again waged the battle against Akbar in 1576. That was the most famous battle and named as ‘Battle of Haldighati’. In this battle, Maharana Pratap couldn’t see successes, but he fights against the Mughal emperor for almost 12 years. And eventually, Maharana defeats Akbar in the battle of ‘Dewar’.

• Rise of the Maratha Empire:

In the early of 1700, Peshwa Bajirao from Pune started marching towards the North. And it leads to the influence of Maratha rulers over Rajasthan. Marathas had close aides with Sindhia and Holkar rulers. After that, Maratha was expanding their rule over Rajasthan by winning every battle and took almost all the Rajput states under them.

• British Rulers and Independence:

In the 19th century, British rulers came to Rajasthan and enrooted their policies. To form government, they implied the strategy of ‘Divide-and-rule’. This strategy leads to success, and British rulers form their Government in Rajasthan. After that, India got independence on 15th August 1947, and Rajasthan came under the rule of the Indian government.
After independence, Rajasthan reformed like anything. All the cities got needy amenities and development had begun in every part of Rajasthan.

Now, Rajasthan is a well-developed state and becomes a tourist hub of national and international tourists. Thousands of tourists visit every year in the Rajasthan to reveal the history of Rajasthan by visiting various forts and other architectural masterpieces. So, this is high time for you to visit Rajasthan. Book your tickets and visit Rajasthan right away.