The Rajput Kingdoms

During the medieval period (7th-12th century), Rajput kingdoms dominated central and northern India. Their rule lasted until the 12th century when they were defeated by Turko-Muslim invaders.

Origins of the Rajputs

The exact origin of the Rajputs is uncertain, and several theories exist:

1. Agni Kula Theory – They were born from a sacred fire.
2. Tribal Origin Theory – They came from local tribes.
3. Foreign Origin Theory – They were descendants of foreign invaders.
4. Kshatriya Origin Theory – They were from the warrior caste (Kshatriyas).
5. Mixed Origin Theory – They were formed through intermarriage between different groups.

Despite the rise of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, many Rajput rulers continued governing their territories. They played a significant role in defending Hindu culture and religion against Islamic invasions. Over time, around 30 Rajput kingdoms emerged in central, northern, and northwestern India.

Decline of the Gurjara-Pratiharas

By 1050 CE, the powerful Gurjara-Pratiharas, who had dominated northern India, started to weaken. This led to political instability, allowing smaller Rajput dynasties to rise.

Major Rajput Dynasties

After the decline of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, several Rajput dynasties emerged:

• Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer
• Tomars of Delhi
• Rathores of Kannauj
• Guhilas (Sisodiyas) of Mewar
• Chandelas of Bundelkhand (built Khajuraho temples)
• Paramaras of Malwa (ruled from Ujjain and Dhara)
• Solankis of Gujarat (also known as Chaulukyas)
• Gahadavalas of Varanasi

The Tomars of Delhi (736-1152 CE)

• Ruled parts of Delhi and Haryana.
• Started as vassals of the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• Anangpal Tomar II built Lal Kot, the first major fort in Delhi (near present-day Qutub Minar).
• Later defeated by the Chauhans.

The Rajputs of Mewar (728-1303 CE)

• The Guhilas ruled Mewar, first as vassals of the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• Bappa Rawal (728-753 CE) is a famous ruler who fought against Arab invaders.
• They built Chittorgarh Fort to defend their land.
• Eventually, the dynasty split into two:
  • Rawals of Chittorgarh
  • Ranas of Sesoda (led to the famous Sisodia Rajputs).
• In 1303, Rawal Ratan Singh was defeated by the Khiljis, but the Ranas later restored their rule.

The Chauhans (Chahamans) of Ajmer and Delhi

• The Chauhans originated from Shakambhari (modern-day Sambhar, Rajasthan).
• After the decline of the Pratiharas, ruler Simharaja declared independence.
• Ajayaraja II moved the capital to Ajayameru (Ajmer).
• They conquered Delhi (Dhillika) from the Tomars and expanded towards Punjab.
• The most famous ruler was Prithviraj Chauhan III (1177-1192 CE).
  • Fought and won the First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE) against Muhammad of Ghor.
  • Lost the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE), leading to Ghurid rule over Delhi.
• Other branches of Chauhans ruled regions like Ranthambore and Nadol.

The Gahadavalas of Varanasi (1089-1197 CE)

• Founded by Chandradeva after the decline of the Kalachuris.
• Under Govindachandra, they expanded their kingdom and defended against Ghaznavid invasions.
• In 1194 CE, Jayachandra (grandson of Govindachandra) was defeated by the Ghurids.
• A branch of the family moved to Rajasthan and became the Rathores of Marwar.
  • Rao Jodha (1438-1489 CE) shifted the capital to Jodhpur and built Mehrangarh Fort.

The Solankis (Chaulukyas) of Gujarat (940-1244 CE)

• Founded by Mularaja I after overthrowing the Chavda dynasty.
• Ruled Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Malwa.
• Bhima I witnessed the attack on Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni.
• Karna established Karnavati, later known as Ahmedabad.
• Queen Udaymati built the famous Rani ki Vav (stepwell) in Patan.

The Chandelas of Bundelkhand (9th-13th century)

• Founded by Nannuka, who ruled Khajuraho.
• Became independent under Yashovarman and later Dhanga.
• Built the famous Khajuraho temples in the Nagara style.
• Fought against the Paramaras of Malwa and Kalachuris of Tripuri.
• By the 13th century, their power declined due to attacks from the Ghaznavids and Ghurids.

The Paramaras of Malwa (9th-14th century)

• Originated as vassals of the Rashtrakutas.
• Siyaka (972 CE) defeated the Rashtrakutas and declared independence.
• Raja Bhoja (1010-1055 CE) expanded the kingdom to its greatest extent.
• Built several Shiva temples and encouraged learning and literature.
• Mahalakadeva, the last ruler, was defeated by Alauddin Khilji (1305 CE).

Rajput Society and Culture

• Warrior and Chivalrous Ethos – Rajputs followed a strict warrior code and protected the weak.
• Religious Tolerance – Though primarily Hindu, they supported Buddhism and Jainism.
• Administrative System – The kingdom was divided into jagirs, ruled by jagirdars.

Art, Literature, and Architecture

• Literature:
  • Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini (History of Kashmir).
  • Jayadeva composed Gita Govindam.
  • Chand Bardai, court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, wrote Prithviraj Raso.
  • Bhaskara Charya wrote Siddhanta Shiromani (astronomy).
• Architecture:
  • Khajuraho Temples (Chandelas)
  • Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneshwar)
  • Sun Temple (Konark)
  • Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu)

Why Rajput Kingdoms Fell

1. Lack of Unity – Rajputs were constantly fighting among themselves instead of uniting against external threats.
2. Weak Alliances – Their failure to form strong alliances made them vulnerable.
3. Repeated Invasions – The Ghaznavids and Ghurids took advantage of their disunity and conquered key territories.

Conclusion

The Rajput kingdoms played a significant role in medieval India’s history. They were fierce warriors, great builders, and patrons of art and culture. However, their constant infighting and lack of unity led to their downfall, paving the way for Islamic rule in India.