The history of human settlement in Rajasthan is almost as old as any other part of India. A survey of the Banas and its tributaries the Gambhiri, the Viraj, and Wagan has provided evidences that man lived along the banks of these rivers at least 100,000 years ago.
The history of human settlement in the west Indian state of Rajasthan dates back to about 5,000 years ago. This region was inhabited during great floods after the ice age as well. This area was known as Matsya kingdom. It was the site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Ancient Period, up to 1200 AD
Rajput clans emerged and held their sway over different parts of Rajasthan from about 700 AD. Before that, Rajasthan was a part of several republics. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire. Other major republics that dominated this region include the Malavas, Arjunyas, Yaudhyas, Kushans, Saka Satraps, Guptas and Hunas. The Rajput clans ascendancy in Indian history was during the period from the eighth to the twelfth century AD. The Pratihars ruled Rajasthan and most of northern India during 750-1000 AD. Between 1000-1200 AD, Rajasthan witnessed the struggle for supremacy between Chalukyas, Parmars and Chauhans.
Medieval Period, 1201 – 1707
Around 1200 AD a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur and Ajmer. Ranthambore was also under their suzerainty. At the beginning of the 13th century AD, the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan was Mewar.
Modern Period, 1707 – 1947
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 they occupied Ajmer. The beginning of the 19th Century was marked by the onslaught of the Pindaris.
History of Rajasthan with Practice MCQ
The ancient civilised history of Rajasthan goes back to 5,000 years ago when in the present day districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar, along with other areas of Jaipur district bordering south Haryana, which formed the part of Vedic state of Brahmavarta along with districts of Mahendragarh and Rewari in Haryana, that Vedic seers started composing Vedic scriptures, which form part of Sanatan Dharma, the base of present-day Hinduism. Revered Saraswati and Drishadwati rivers formed the then Brahmavarta state. Drishadwati River is identified as the Vedic Drishadwati by Bhargava. Parts of Rajasthan may have been occupied by the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappans).
Excavations at Kalibanga in northern Rajasthan around 1998 revealed the existence of human settlements of Harappan times on the banks of a river that dried up later, which some people believe to be the Saraswati, archaeologists hope the Saraswati will unlock mysteries of the past. Rajasthan’s geographic position in India has caused it to be affected by the expansionist efforts of various empires. It was a part of the Maurya Empire around 321-184 BCE.
The state of Rajasthan in India has a history dating thousands of years. It was the site of the Indus Valley Civilization. The early medieval period saw the rise many Rajput kingdoms like Chauhans of Ajmer, Guhilot and Sisodias of Mewar, Rathores of Marwar. Later the region came under suzerainty of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals granted high positions to Rajput rulers who allied with them. However, some Rajput kingdoms did not accept Mughal suzerainty and were constantly at war with them. The Mughal rule effectively ended in the 18th century, in Rajasthan and Maratha influence grew in the region.
In this medieval era (1200 AD), this region formed a part of Mughal Empire. Modern era starts with the British rule from 1817 to 15th August, 1947 when India became independent.
Ancient History of Rajasthan
Medieval History of Rajasthan: Rise of Rajput Era
What we know about Rajasthan today, is the impression or the essence of the much-acclaimed Rajput Era that rose to power during the 9thcentury. Among all the clans and rulers that ruled over this part of India, Rajput rulers are still revered as the most influential and considered as the pioneer is shaping up modern-day Rajasthan.
Though the Rajput dynasty started flourishing in the Thar Desert by early 8thcentury, it was the 9th century when they rose to supremacy and hold command over the entire of Rajasthan. By 12thcentury, this clan divided into a total of thirty-six different clans and around twenty-one dynasties. Their visionary knowledge, taste for excellence, undefeatable spirit, and patriotism finally made them the most influential rulers across the great Thar Desert.
Medieval History of Rajasthan: Rise of Chauhan Era
While the Rajput rulers reached the zenith of power and control over the Thar Desert, India had foreign invaders from countries like Afghanistan, Kabul, and other Muslim countries. Though most of the inland rulers stood against these foreign rulers, most of them perished with them against the wrath of the war techniques and massive forces of the foreigners.
The growing fume of the outsiders gave birth to a pact between the Rajput and Chauhan rulers by 10th century where the former helped the latter to build their empire in Rajasthan. With this treaty in place, the Land of Kings survived all the attacks and came out victorious in most of the battles against the Muslim rulers and other foreign powers. The battler of ‘Tarain’ fought between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori in 1191 was the most significant one among these attacks.
Medieval History of Rajasthan: Rise and fall of Mughal Era
Tasting defeat in the battle of Tarain, Muhammad Ghori reattacked Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192, and established the first Muslim Empire in Rajasthan. This eventually marked the downfall of the Chauhan dynasty and helped Muslim rulers to strengthen and recreate the history of Rajasthan.
As the Chauhan dynasty perished into the sands of time, Muslim supremacy started sprawling and took over almost the entire of Rajasthan till a ruler from Northern-India stood against the Muslim Empire in 1553. It was the valorous ruler named Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (also known as ‘Hemu’ by historians), who crushed the then empire and hoisted his flag in Rajasthan.
Hemu’s rule over Rajasthan crashed down into the hands of Mughal emperor Akbar in the battle of ‘Panipat’ in 1556. Defeating Hemu, Akbar showed his interest in forming alliance with the Rajput rulers; he even married ‘Jodha Bai’, a Rajput Princess from Jodhpur. Though most of the existing rulers supported and greeted Akbar’s alliance, there were rulers like Raja Maan Singh from Mewar, who stood against the supremacy of Akbar.
Growing disagreement and rivalry between the two rulers resulted in a fierce battle among the two. With this battle, Akbar established his rule all over Rajasthan while having most of the Rajput rulers as his faithful allies.
Maharana Pratap; son of Raja Maan Singh, once again rose against the Mughal empire and called for the battle of ‘Haldighati’ against Akbar in 1576. The result of the battle went against Maharana Pratap and forced him to go into exile for almost 12 years while continuing his fight against the Mughal emperor valorously until he succeeded in 1588 in the battle of ‘Dewar’.
Akbar’s defeat into the hands of Rana Pratap caused the downfall of Mughal Empire for the first time in the history of Rajasthan. This downfall also gave birth to a new chivalry system among the existing Rajput and Chauhan ruler, and continued for a significant period of time.
Medieval History of Rajasthan: Rise of Maratha Empire
Early 1700 witnesses the rise of Maratha Empire in Rajasthan when Peshwa Baji Rao I from Pune started marching the North. With this, Rajasthan came under the influence of Maratha rulers who were the close aides to Holkars and Scindhia rulers. With every battle, Maratha Empire started expanding their base and finally took most of the prominent Rajput rulers under their control. It was the time, when Pune (also called the ‘Cultural Capital’ of Maharashtra) became the centre of power.
Medieval History of Rajasthan: Rise of East India Company
Rajasthan’s history witnessed a whole new change and dimension after the arrival of East India Company during 19th century. As the entire of the state was then ruled by different rulers, it gave the British government to enroot their policies and sovereignty among the rulers. The newly arrived foreign company implemented ‘divide-and-rule’ policy and was significantly successful in carrying out their operations.
Within this period Rajasthan witnessed the establishment of cities like Jaipur and Marwar region along with Bharatpur, Dhaulpur, Karauli and others. East India Company finally proposed the Rajput ruler’s safety and protection from their enemies and asked them to come under British suzerainty. Present day Ajmer city became the base of British Raj, while the other princely states were ruled by the Rajput rulers.
The term ‘Rajasthan’ was coined under British Raj after nineteen different Rajput rulers signed treaty to come under a single pact.
Medieval History of Rajasthan – Click here – download
Topic Covered
- Gurjar-Pratihar of Bhinmal
- Guhil Dynasty of Mewar
- Sisodiya Dynasty of Mewar
- Rathod Dynasty of Marwar
- Rathod of Bikaner
- Kachwaha of Amber
- Chauhan Dynasty
- Chauhan of Ranthambore
- Chauhan of Jalore
- Hada Chauhan of Bundi
- Hada Chauhan of Kota
- Parmar of Abu
Modern History of Rajasthan : Since the early 1700s, the Maratha Empire began expanding northwards, led by Peshwa Baji Rao I of Pune. This expansion finally brought the newly founded Maratha Empire in contact with the Rajputs. Rajasthan saw many invasions by the Marathas, under military leadership of Holkars and Scindhias.
In 1707 Bharatpur city was further developed by a Jat (peasant caste) conqueror. By 1803 Maratha conquered some parts of Rajasthan and was led by Peshwa Baji Rao I of Pune. Most of the Rajputs passed under the control of the Maratha Empire and continued to pay tribute to Pune. This kept on happening till the British East India Company replaced the Marathas as preeminent rulers. In 1857, the British started their rule in India and most Rajput states allied with them. Association of Rajput and British allowed Rajasthan to continue as independent states, subject to certain political and economic constraints. Under the British rule, the nineteen Rajput states signed a treaty and came under an umbrella called Rajasthan.
British colonial period (1858-1947 CE)
The arrival of the British East India Company in the region led to the administrative designation of some geographically, culturally, economically and historically diverse areas, which had never shared a common political identity, under the name of the Rajputana Agency. This was a significant identifier, being modified later to Rajputana Province and lasting until the renaming to Rajasthan in 1949.
The Company officially recognized various entities, although sources disagree concerning the details, and also included Ajmer-Merwara, which was the only area under direct British control. Of these various areas, Marwar and Jaipur were the most significant in the early 19th century, although it was Mewar that gained particular attention from James Tod, a Company employee who was enamored of Rajputana and wrote extensively, if often uncritically, of the people, history and geography of the Agency as a whole.
Alliances were formed between the Company and these various princely and chiefly entities in the early 19th century, accepting British sovereignty in return for local autonomy and protection from the Marathas and Pindari depredations. 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 of Tonk, and the Jat states of Bharatpur, 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, and then called Rajputana.
Post-independence (1947 CE – present)
At the ceremony held in Udaipur on April 12, 1948, the reconstitution of the Rajasthan Union, which the Maharana of Udaipur becomes the New Rajpramukh, Jawaharlal Nehru administers the oath of allegiance to Manik Lal Verma, Premier of the Union.
The name of Rajasthan was probably popularized by Tod and during his lifetime some people believed that he had coined it. Although he claimed that it was the classical name for the region, the term seems first to be documented in an inscription dating from 1708 and to have become popular by his time.
It took seven stages to form Rajasthan as defined today. In March 1948 the Matsya Union consisted of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dhaulpur and Karauli was formed. Also, in March 1948 Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Kota, Pratapgarh, Shahpura and Tonk joined the Indian union and formed a part of Rajasthan. In April 1948 Udaipur joined the state and the Maharana of Udaipur was made Rajpramukh. Therefore, in 1948 the merger of south and southeastern states was almost complete. Still retaining their independence from India were Jaipur State and the desert kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.
From a security point of view, it was claimed that it was vital to the new Indian Union to ensure that the desert kingdoms were integrated into the new nation. The princes finally agreed to sign the Instrument of Accession, and the kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur acceded in March 1949. This time, the Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh II, was made the Rajpramukh of the state and Jaipur became its capital. Later in 1949, the United States of Matsya, comprising the former kingdoms of Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli and Dholpur, was incorporated into Rajasthan. On January 26, 1950, 18 states of united Rajasthan merged with Sirohi to join the state leaving Abu and Dilwara to remain a part of Greater Bombay and now Gujarat.
Gurumukh Nihal Singh was appointed as first governor of Rajasthan. Hiralal Shastri was the first nominated chief minister of the state, taking office on 7 April 1949. He was succeeded by two other nominated holders of the office before Tika Ram Paliwal became the first elected chief minister from 3 March 1951.
In November 1956, under the provisions of the States Re-organisation Act, the erstwhile part ‘C’ state of Ajmer, Abu Road Taluka, former part of Sirohi princely state (which were merged in former Bombay), State and Sunel-Tappa region of the former Madhya Bharat merged with Rajasthan and Sirohi sub district of Jhalawar was transferred to Madhya Pradesh. Thus giving the existing boundary Rajasthan. Today with further reorganisation of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Rajasthan has become the largest state of the Indian Republic.
The princes of the former kingdoms were constitutionally granted handsome remuneration in the form of privy purses and privileges to assist them in the discharge of their financial obligations. In 1970, Indira Gandhi, who was then the Prime Minister of India, commenced under-takings to discontinue the privy purses, which were abolished in 1971. Many of the former princes still continue to use the title of Maharaja, but the title has little power other than as a status symbol.
Many of the Maharajas still hold their palaces and have converted them into profitable hotels, while some have made good in politics. The democratically elected Government runs the state with a chief minister as its executive head and the governor as the head of the state. Currently there are 50 districts in Rajasthan.
Modern History of Rajasthan – Click here – download
Topic Covered:
1. New States in Rajasthan during Modern Period
- Jat Rulers of Bharatpur
- Kachwaha Rulers of Modern Alwar State
- Kachwaha Rulers of Jaipur
- Shekhawats of Sikar
- Rulers of Jhalawar
2. Maratha Power in Rajasthan
3. British Rule & Freedom Movement in Rajasthan
- British Treaty with Rajputana States
- Revolt of 1857 in Rajasthan
- Press and Journalism during British Rule
4. Major Associations of Political Awareness
5. Peasant Movements in Rajasthan
6. Tribal Movements in Rajasthan
7. Freedom Fighters of Rajasthan
8. Praja Mandal Movement in Rajasthan
9. Administration of Rajasthan under British Rule
10. Administration of Princely States
11. Land Revenue System in Rajasthan during British
ANCIENT HISTORY (Stone Age to 700 A.D.)
Stone Age
- Nagaur
- Didwana
- Mesolithic Age
Bagor
- On the bank of river Kothari in Bhilwara District.
- Most ancient source of animal husbandry is found here.
- Tools are excavated in large numbers.
- Excavated by Virendranath Mishra.
- Biggest Mesolithic Site in India.
Tilwara
- On the bank of river Luni in Barmer district.
- Evidence of animal husbandry is found here.
- Excavated by Virendranath Mishra.
Ahar Culture
- Also known as Banas Culture.
- 6 hearthstone are found from a single home which shows the evidence of joint families living under the same roof.
- Black and Red Ware pottery were found here.
- Other important sites were Gilund, Balathal, Pachamta, etc.
- Kalibangan
- Located on the bank of river Ghaghhar in Hanumangarh District.
- Discovered by Amlanand Ghosh in 1953.
- Excavated by Brijvasilal in 1961.
- Evidence of ploughed field is found.
- Evidence of growing Barley and Mustard are found.
- Cylindrical seal of Mesopotamia is found here.
- Houses were made from Raw bricks (Kachhi Int).
- The drainage system was not properly developed.
- Evidence of Earthquake.
- Sothi (Sothi Civilization)
- It was a rural civilization.
- Located in Ganganagar District.
- Situated on the plain of Ghaghhar and Chautang River.
- It is also called Kalibanga 1st.
- Historian mentioned it as the origin place of Harappan civilization.
Mahajanapadas of Rajasthan
- Matsya
- Capital: – Viratnagar
- Present: – Alwar, Bharatpur and Jaipur
- Saurasena (Brajmandala)
- Capital: – Mathura
- Present: – Alwar, Bharatpur, Dhaulpur and Karauli.
- Kuru
- Capital: – Indraprastha (Delhi)
- Present: – Delhi and northern Region of Rajasthan.
- Some Other Janapada Of Rajasthan
Shivi Janapada
- Capital: – Madhyamika (Present name Nagari)
- Present region: – Chittorgarh And Udaipur district
- Rajasthan’s first excavated site.
- Excavated by D.R. Bhandarkar.
Arjunayana Janapada
- Present Alwar and Bharatpur District.
- They emerged as political power During Sunga Period.
Malav Janapada
- Present Jaipur and Tonk district.
- Capital: – Nagar (Tonk)
- They are mentioned in Mahabhashya of Patanjali
Yaudheyas
- Present Hanumangarh and Ganganagar district.
- Kushana power was stopped by them.
- They are mentioned in Ashtadhyayi and Ganapatha of Panini.
Shalvya
- Present Alwar district.
Rajanya
- Present Jodhpur and Bikaner region.
- Bairat (Viratnagar)
- It was capital of Matsya Mahajanapada.
- It was a part of Mauryan Empire.
- In 1837, Ashoka’s Rock Edict was discovered by Capt. Burj from Bijak-ki-Pahadi.
- Evidence of the Buddhist stupa sites was found.
- In 634 A.D Huang Tsang visited Bairat.
- Sculptures, coins, pottery, seals and metal objects were found from the excavation.
Paleolithic-Old Stone Age in Rajasthan (5, 00, 00 BC – 10,000 BC)
Lower Paleolithic or Early Old Stone Age (5, 00,000 BC – 1, 00,000 BC)
Middle Paleolithic or Middle Old Stone Age (1, 00,000 BC – 40,000 BC)
Indus Valley Sites in Rajasthan
- Kalibangan
- Baror
- Karanpura
Kalibangan is a part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, located in present Hanumangarh district. The site was discovered by Luigi Pio Tessitori, an Italian Indologist and linguist. After Independence in 1952, Amlānand Ghosh identified the site as part of Harappan Civilization and marked it for excavation.
Rajasthan during Vedic Period (1500 BC – 500 BC)
Vedic Age or Iron Age
Pratiharas of Bhinmal (Jalore)
Mahajanapadas of Rajasthan
Modern History of Rajasthan (1707-1964)
Peasant & Tribal Movement
- Founder of Bhinmal branch of Pratihar
- Made triple alliance with Bappa Rawal and Jaisimha to defeat Arabs.
- First Pratihar king to occupy Kannauj.
- He defeated Dharmapala of Gaud Dynasty and defeated by Dhruva of Rashtrakuta dynasty.
- Occupied Kannauj.
- Defeated Dharmapala in the battle of Mudgagiri.
- Defeated by Govinda of Rashtrakuta.
- Defeated Devpala of Bengal.
- Arab traveller Suleiman visited his court in 851 A.D.
- Last ruler of this dynasty.
- His rule came to an end due to emerging of Gazni power.
Guhil
- In 566 A.D. Guhil established this dynasty.
- He established independent city Nagda (Udaipur).
- Name: – Kaalbhoj
- In 734, he defeated Maan Mori and took Chittorgarh under his control and made Nagada his capital.
- At first, started gold coin in Rajasthan.
- He built Eklingji Temple in Udaipur.
Allat (943 A.D. to 953 A.D.)
- Name: – Alu Rawal
- Built Varah Temple of Ahar.
- Married Hun Princess Hariyadevi.
- Established bureaucracy in Mewar.