Rajasthan History for kids
1) History and Geography of Rajasthan
The history of Rajasthan is about 5000 years old and the mythological origin of this gigantic land is related to the famous myth of Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In the ancient period, Rajasthan was a part of different dynasties including the Mauryan Empire. The first batch of Aryans who came to India settled in the region of “Dundhmer” and the first inhabitants of this area were the “Bheels” and the “Meenas”. The earliest Rajput dynasty that emerged around 700 AD was the “Gurjars” and “Partiharas” and since then Rajasthan was known as Rajputana. Soon, the Rajput clan gained supremacy and the Rajputs were divided into 36 royal clans and 21 dynasties. The armed conflicts and the struggle for supremacy among the “Parmars”, “Chalukyas”, and “Chauhans” resulted in a lot of bloodshed.
In the medieval era, the major regions of the state such as Nagaur, Ajmer and Ranthambhore became a part of the Mughal Empire, which was headed by Akbar. The most famous Rajput warriors of this era were Rana Uday Singh, his son MahaRana Pratap, Bhappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan. With the end of the Mughal regime in 1707, the Marathas gained supremacy and captured Ajmer in 1775. The Maratha ascendancy ended in the late 17th century with the arrival of Britishers. The present state of Rajasthan was formed in the year 1956.
Geographically Rajasthan is located in the northwest India. The state has an area of 342,239 square kilometers. The state has rhomboid shape with length of 869 km. from west to east and 826 km. from north to south. Rajasthan shares its border with Pakistan, while Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh bound Rajasthan in north and east, and Gujarat in south-west.
2) Civilizations of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s civilisation is still preserved in Kalibangan, a town on the banks of the Ghaggar River of Hanumangarh district, Bikaner. Thar Desert has existence of Indus Valley Civillization and the remnants of the pre-Harappan and Harappan settlements.Realm of Kalibangan has many archaeological evidences which show that Rajasthan had once been an important centre of the ceramic industry.The paintings on the ancient pottery bear close resemblance to the Harappan designs. Contemporary pottery of Rajasthan has a distinct influence of the Indus Valley ceramic industry and related handicrafts. Indus Valley Civillization flourished on the banks of Saraswatiriver.
Transformation of this land took place after the mighty river changed its course and finally dried up due to the immensity of the encroaching desert. The land silently slipped into Thar desertwith whole civillisation buried in it.
3) Rulers of Rajasthan-
- Bapparawal
Bappa Rawal, born in 713 AD to Prince Kalbhoj, was the 8th ruler of the Guhilot dynasty. He founded the state of Mewar. The king was famous for his strong pride in his “Dharma”, culture, and courage for defeating Arabian invaders. He started as a ruler of a small principality in Nagahrad (Nagda), and extended his rulership up to Chittor.In the 8th century Arab Muslims started attacking India. Bappa united the smaller states of Ajmer and Jaisalmer to stop the attacks. Bappa Rawal fought and defeated the Arabs in the country.
- Rana Kumbha
Rana Kumbha was the ruler of Mewar, (a state in western India), between 1433 and 1468 AD. Rana Kumbha belonged to Sisodia clan. Kumbha was son of Rana Mokal. Rana Kumbha was famous for his bravery. Rana Kumbha decided to construct of an imposing, 37 meter high, 9 stories Victory Tower at Chittor. This famous tower was named as “Vijay Stambha” andwas completed in the year 1458.
- Prithivi Raj Chauhan
Prithvi Raj Chauhan was born in the year 1149. Prithviraj Chauhan was a king of the Rajput dynasty, who ruled a kingdom in northern India during the later half of the 12th century.Prithviraj Chauhan was the second last Hindu king to sit upon the throne of Delhi. He succeeded to the throne in 1169 CE at the age of 20, and ruled from the twin capitals of Ajmer and Delhi. Chauhan defeated the Muslim ruler Shahabuddin Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle but set him free as a gesture of mercy. In second attack by Ghori, Chauhan was defeated and captured. Ghori took Chauhan to Ghazni and killed him ending an era of sheer bravery and courage.
- Rana Sanga
Rana Sanga was born in the year 1484. Rana Sanga is also known as MaharanaSangramSingh . He was the Rajput ruler of Mewar. He ruled between 1509 and 1527. He brought Mewar to the peak of its prosperity and prominence, establishing it as the premier Rajput state. Sanga regularly attacked Afghans under Lodi at Khatoli (Gwalior) in 1517-18.
- Maharana Pratap
Maharana Pratap (9 May 1540 – 29 January 1597) was the ruler of Mewar, a region in north-western India. Pratap was son of Maharani Jayantabai and King Udai Singh II founder of Udaipur. Maharana Pratap belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs. Maharana Pratap Singh is widely regarded as a fearless warrior and ingenious strategist, who successfully fought the Mughals and safeguarded his people until his death. He is hailed as an inspirational figure for exemplifying gallantry and resourcefulness. Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar after fall of Chittor until its accession in independent India.
- Amar singh Rathore
Another Rajput brave king was Amar Singh Rathore (11 December 1613 – 25 July 1644), who was famous as a Rajput nobleman affiliated with the royal house of Marwar, and a courtier of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in seventeenth-century India. When he was disinherited by his family, he entered the Mughals’ service. His legendary bravery resulted in his elevation to a high rank in the imperial nobility and he was appointed as the”Subedar” of Nagaur. He served Mughals there at Agra for a short period after being denied his right of inheritance at Nagaur in Rajasthan. He was the famous fighter who jumped from Agra Fort with his horse.
4) Variants of Rajasthani Literature
Rajasthani literature is mostly heroic mentioning of the great kings and fighters of the Rajasthan. In words of Ravindra Nath Tagore once, “The heroic sentiment which is the essence of every song and couplet of a Rajasthani is peculiar emotion of its own of which, however, the whole country may be proud”. Earliest references of Rajasthani literature is found in the works of Surajmal Misrana. The most important works are the “Vansa Bhaskara” and “Veer Satsai”. “Vansh Bhaskar” has accounts of the Rajput princes who ruled in what was then Rajputana, during the lifetime of the poet (1872–1952). “Veer Satsai” is a collection of hundreds of couplets. After that Rajasthani literature was mostly contributed by Jain saints. Rajasthani language was known as “Maru Gurjar” or “Dingal”, which was close to Gujarati. Rajasthani literature has its main contribution from regional language like “Dingal”, “Heroic poetry” and “Sufism”.”CharanBhats” were the traditional court poets for presenting “Veerkavya” to the citizen. “Pabuji Radoha”, “Pabuji Ra Chand” and “PabujikoYashVarnan” are the main manuscripts of the time.
5) Meera Bai (A mystic poet from Rajasthan)
Meera was born in the year 1498 in Merta, Rajasthan. Her father, Ratan Singh, was the youngest son of Rao Duda, ruler of Merta, and son of Rao Jodha ruler and founder of Jodhpur. Nature wise Meera was soft-spoken, mild-mannered, with god gifted sweet voice. She used to sing “Bhajans” in melodious voice. She was reputed to be one of the most extraordinary beauties of her time. At the age of four, she manifested her deep devotion to Krishna. In a very young age Meera was married to Bhoj Raj, the ruler of Chittor. She was significant follower of the Vaishnava bhakti movement. About 1300 “Padas” and “Bhajans” were created by her have been translated and published worldwide. Meera’s bhakti tradition was full of her unconditional love for Lord Krishana and has a message that Krishan bhakti is the only way to live your life in real manner. After her husband’s death she started moving from one pilgrim to another. She spent her last years as a pilgrim in Dwarka, Gujarat. In the year 1546, when Udai Singh, sent a delegation of Brahmans to bring Meera back to Mewar. Meera asked permission to spend the night at a temple of Krishna. It is said that she spent the night in Krishna temple and next morning she vanished. Meerabai miraculously merged with Lord Krishna forever.
6) People of Rajasthan
Rajasthani people are assimilation of Indo-Scythian, Scytho-Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, Indo-Greek, Aryo-Dravidian, Indo-Iranian and Austro-Asiatic ancestries. The main communities of Rajasthan are “Rajputs”, “Jats”, “Brahmans” and the “Vaishyas”. Castes like “Jat”, “Gurjar”, “Mali” and “Kalvi” communities depend on agriculture while “Vasishya” is the business community. As we go along the different parts of Rajasthan various tribes come into picture like “Meena”,” Bheel”, “Garasia” and “Kanjar.Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Bhilwara, Banswara,Udaipur and Sirohi are the oldest habitants of “Bheels” while Mewar-Vagad region is known for “Garasia” and “Kathodi”. The famous cattle breeders of Rajasthan are “Rabaris” and “Sahariya” in Marwar and Baran respectively. Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaipur and Alwar areas comprises of the “Meo” and “Meenas”.
7) Tribes of Rajasthan- Bheel
Bheel tribe is mainly concentrated in the areas around Udaipur, Dungarpur and Chittorgarh. Bheeli is the language spoken by this tribe. “Mewasi Bheel” also belong to the Bheel clan. TadviBheel tribe is the Muslim community converted from the Bheel clan. Another famous tribe of Rajasthan in the past is Bheel Meena tribal group. Rajasthan was ruled by Meena dynasty which had the symbol of a fish. The name Meena is derived from name Meen which means ‘Fish’.
8) Tribes of Rajasthan- Garasia
Garasia Tribe is found in South Rajasthan. This tribe is originated from Bheel clan and looked upon as the most backward tribe in the state of Rajasthan. Mainly found in the areas of Sawai Madhopur and Kota. DungriGarasia tribe migrated from Mewar and is part of Bheel community.
9) Tribes of Rajasthan – Dhanka
Another tribe of Rajasthan is Dhanka tribe, the “Adivasi” clan of India. Half of the percentage of Dhanka tribe lives in the Gujarat while some dwell in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
10) Rajasthani Costumes
Rajasthan is known for outstanding colors and festivals, displaying the spirit of the inhabitants, their religion and culture. From head-to-toe everything including turban, ornaments, footwear and clothing reflects the cultural, social and economic status of Rajasthanis. The costumes of Rajasthani people blend with the weather and local conditions.
11) Costumes of Women
Women of Rajasthan wear a long skirt called “Ghaghra”, “Choli” or “Kurti” (blouses and tops) with an “Odhini”. The “Ghaghrais” of anklelength with a narrow waist increasing the flared and width to the base. “Ghaghra” is commonly unfolded from the lower end such as usual skirts. The pleats and width are the symbol of health of females. “Ghaghra” can be found in diverse styles and colors. They are very famous among women in Rajasthan, mostly made of cotton, colored and designed with “Laharia”, “Chunari” and “Mothra” prints. Odhni A piece of cloth is used to cover the head, both for protection from heat and maintenance of modesty called “Chunari” or “Odhni”.The one corner of “Odhni” is properly tucked inside the skirt and the other end is worn over the right shoulder or the head. Special motifs and colors are used to indicate choice of community, occasion and geographical area.
12) Costumes of Men
The turban called “Pagri”, “Pyjamas”, “Angarkha”, “Dhoti”, Waistband (Patka) and “Kamarbandh” are integral clothing of men in Rajasthan. Pagri Pagri (turban) is an important part of men’s costume in Rajasthan. The turban is a symbol of the region and caste from where the individual belongs. Turbans can be found in different colors, shapes and sizes. Additionally, special types of Pagris are designed during big events and festivals. People living in Udaipur are habitual of tiring a flat Pagri over their head, while people of Jaipur prefer an angular Pagri. Jodhpur men like to wear “Safa” having curved bands. More than 1000 types of Pagris are worn by men in Rajasthan. A normal Pagari is commonly eight inches wide and eighty two feet long. Most of the common men in Rajasthan wear only one color of Pagri, whereas rich men wear colorful and designer turbans. Pyjama or Dhoti “Pyjamas” or “Dhotis” are used for covering the lower part of the men’s body. It is a piece of cloth that needs a little practice to wear it in an appropriate way. Dhoti is worn as regular dress which commonly has white color. During some special events, men wear Zari border and Silk Dhotis. Angarkha It is a body protector commonly designed by cotton. During festivals in this part of the world, people wear designer “Angarkhas”. Patka Patka commonly worn by royal families or higher classes, which is made of cotton. In medieval times, the clothing was worn all around the waist but now it can be seen less among youngsters. However Brahmins also use to wear Patka with traditional “Dupattas”.
13) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan
The story of Rajasthan is full of great Rajput Kings and Queens and the land has their marks in form of Royal heritage of Rajasthan.
14) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan-Jaipur
Amber Fort Palace – Famous place Amber belonged to Kachawas. This fort was constructed by Man Singh in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh. Architecture of this fort mesmerizes everyone with huge exteriorand exotic interiors with a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles. Jaigarh Fort – Legendary “Victory Fort”, Jaigarh is situated at CheelkaTeela and is directly linked to Amber Fort with long secured corridors. This fort was the royal arsenal. City Palace – The City Palace has been home to the rulers of Jaipur since the 18thcentuary. This palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Complete palace is divided into “Chandra Mahal”, “Shri Govind Dev” Temple and the City Palace Museum having superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architect.
15) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan- Bikaner JunaGarh Fort
Constructed between 1588-1593 by Raja Jai Singh, Junagarh fort is having 37 beautifully decorated palaces, temples and pavilions.
16) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan- Bundi Taragarh Fort
The Taragarh Fort came into existence in the 16th century, and is built up of a hard, green-tinged twisted stone, extracted locally. This stone, unlike sandstone, does not lend itself to fine carving. Unlike most other palaces in Rajasthan, there is very little Mughal influence in its architecture. The Garh Palace represents a rare example of the pure Rajput style, with curved roofs topping pavilions and kiosks, a plethora of temple columns and decorative brackets, and typical Rajput motifs such as elephants and lotus flowers.
17) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan Jaisalmer, Sonar Fort
Built in 1156 by Maharawal Jaisal, this fort stands on 80 m high at Trikuta Hill. In medieval times, this fort was home for the entire population living in Jaiselmer. Strong walls of the fort are softened by the golden shade of the stone. It glitters like gold in night light. It is famous for “Patwon-Ki-Havelies”, “Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli” and “Gandhi Sagar Tank”.
18) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan – Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort
The fort of Mehrangarh looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts above the plains. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, the fort is blended with a number of palaces added by successive rulers. Mehrangarh isperhaps the most majestic of Rajasthan’s forts. The royal apartments within the fort are now part of museum.
19) Royal Heritage of Rajasthan – Chittorgarh Fort
As Rajasthan’s mightiest forts, it was the target of successive invaders and is a witness to the history of valor, romance and strict death-before-dishonor “Johar” code glorified in Rajput mythologies and folk tales.Itwas the capital of the Sisodia rulers of Mewar, between the 12th and 16th centuries.
20) Rajasthan Coinage- Gupta Dynasty Coins
In place of paper currency the ancient currency was metal coins. These metal structures have played significant part in the learning, structuring and rebuilding of the past. Coins were smacked by rulers in implementation of their regal sanction. Many kings who were unidentified they perceived and premeditated by their coins. Rajasthan’s Department of Archaeology and Museum is an affluent anthology of coins, ranging from Sixth century BC to the mid Twentieth Century. Initial styles of coins are of noticeable multiplicity. These coins exist in various structures as these are beaded silver portions in asymmetrical figures: square, rectangular or circular. The coins are only identified by signs rather a name or date The Kushana Rulers introduced the coins in their names even their anthology has Kadphises-II &Kanishka’s copper coins. Another spectrum was followed by the Gupta Emperors, Samudra Gupta, Kach Gupta, Skandgupta, Kumargupta and Chandragupta-II. These coins were made by gold and silver. The Gupta coins show representation of the leader. These are exceedingly creative and completed in minuscule details.
21) Rajasthan Coinage- Punch-marked coins
The Punch-marked coins are a kind of untimely Coinage of the nation. In India, the first coins were casted in Sixth century BC by “Mahajanapadas” of Indo-Gangetic Plain. It was undoubtedly before the assault ofAlexander the Great in Fourth century BC. The Punch-marked coins of this era were called “Pana”, “Puranas” or “Karshapanas”. Ancient Greek coins-The record of antique Greek coinage can be alienated into 3 periods:Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic. Indo-Sassanid coins-The Indo-Sassanid formed an all-embracing coinage with fable in Pahlavi, Bactrian or Brahmi, occasionally encouraged from the Kushancoinage, and occasionally more evidently Sassanid.
22) Rajasthan Coinage- Mughal coin
During the Mughal empire period these coins were carried by them in such a manner of consistency and consolidation of the classification of coinage all through the Empire. The method lasted after the Mughal Empire was efficiently no more. The basic process was Trimetallism which approached to characterize Mughal coinage was mainly the design.
23) Weapons of Rajasthan -Goad & Knife
Sirohi- This sword had a slightly curved blade, shaped like a Damascus blade, slightly lighter and narrower than the ordinary “Talwar”. They were made in “Sirohi”. Originated from Damascus and used in Rajasthan. Kamthah, kamanth- The long bow of the Bheels. This group held the bow with their feet, drawing the string (“chillah”) with the hands and able to shoot with enough power for their arrow to penetrate elephant’s hide. The principal weapon of the Bheels was the “kampti” or bamboo bow, with a string made of a thin strip from the elastic bark of the bamboo. Other weapons used in ancient time were swords from Rajputs, Mughal, Hyderabad, Afghan, Iran, Arab, Turkish, hilts, Tiger knives, armor, helmets, clubs, spears, javelins, shields, bows and arrows with “Koftkari”, “Chamanbandhi”, “ChapdiChandrus”, “Karanshihi” work in gold and silver Damascene blades, Arabic calligraphy and Sanskrit inscriptions.
