HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN

Introduction

One of the most vivid, colorful, and historically significant states is Rajasthan. The architectural style and well-preserved culture and traditions of this northern state of India bear witness to the fact that it has been home to several princely realms and kings. Rajasthan is currently one of the most visited tourist locations worldwide and is home to several clans, tribes, and sub-tribes. But before Rajasthan became what it is now, what was it like?

history of rajasthan

The Ancient Period

• This period of the ancient history of rajasthan lasted up to 1200 AD
• Rajasthan was a part of multiple republics till the Rajput clans emerged there around the year 700 AD.
• However, the Rajputs quickly cemented their dominance throughout the state.
• Previously, this region was ruled by the Mauryan, Malava, Kushan, Arjunya, Gupta, Yaudhya, Saka Satrap, and Huna states.
• From the eighth to the twelfth centuries of Indian history, the Rajput clans ruled the country.
• The Pratihars ruled over Rajasthan from 750 to 1000 AD.
• There was a struggle between the Chauhans, Chalukyas, and Parmars for dominance of Rajasthan between the years 1000 and 1200 AD.

The Medieval Period

• As per the rajasthan history, this medieval period lasted from the year 1201-1707
• Parts of Rajasthan came under the control of Muslim kings in the Middle Ages, starting in the year 1200 AD.
• Their main cities of authority were Ranthambhor, Ajmer, and Nagaur.
• Mewar emerged as the most potent and remarkable state in Rajasthan around the start of the 13th century AD.

The Modern Period

• This modern period lasted from the year 1201-1707
• The Mughal Emperor Akbar’s supremacy led to the political unification of Rajasthan.
• But when the Mughal dynasty fell in 1707, Rajasthan’s political system also collapsed.
• Following the fall of the Mughals, Rajasthan was conquered by the Marathas. 1755 saw their conquest of Ajmer.
• As the 19th century got underway, the Pindaris took control.
• Rajasthan was eventually ruled by the British in 1817-1818.

The Post-Independence Period

• Rajasthan evolved during seven distinct phases to become its current condition. Kota, Pratapgarh, Dungarpur, Kishangarh, Banswara, and other areas of Rajasthan united as a single entity in 1948.
• The remaining states in Rajasthan came to an agreement to sign the instrument of admission by 1949.
• In accordance with the constitution, the princes of the previous dynasty received a respectable salary as well as a number of benefits, such as private purses, which enabled them to absolve themselves of responsibility.
• Privy purses were outlawed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1970 and would be completely gone by 1971.
• The word “Maharaj,” which had no real meaning and was merely a status symbol, was utilized by the princes of the past.
• The state is governed by a democratically elected administration that oversees 33 districts, 222 towns, 105 subdivisions, approximately 38,000 distinct villages, and 241 tehsils.

Freedom Fighters in the rajasthan itihas

Some of the nation’s most courageous and gallant liberation warriors are said to have come from Rajasthan. 

• Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa (1872-1939)ruled the Rajasthani state of Kharwa, which is located close to Ajmer. He was convicted of planning an uprising against the British and given a four-year prison sentence.  
• Sagarmal Gopa (1900-1946)was a Jaisalmer-born independence fighter who actively took part in the 1921 non-cooperation movement. He had been charred to death in prison on April 4, 1946. The government released a postage stamp in his honor after independence.  
• Freedom fighter Daulat Maal Bhandari (1907-2004), conducted satyagraha and coordinated the “Azad Morcha” in Jaipur. He spent nine months behind bars. In 1968, upon independence, Bhandari was appointed Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.  
• Janki Devi Bajaj, who lived from 1893 to 1979, was a notable female rebel from the area. Due to her involvement in the 1932 Civil Disobedience Movement, she was sent to prison. In 1956, she received the Padma Vibhushan.
• Social reformer and liberation fighter Swami Keshwanand (1883-1972) came from the Sikar District in modern-day Rajasthan. He took part in the 1921 Non-Cooperation Movement and spent two years in prison in Ferozepur, which is now in Punjab. 

government of rajasthan

• Rajasthan’s legislature is a single-chamber body with 200 seats.
• There are 35 state-affiliated members of the Indian Parliament: ten are from the Rajya Sabha, or Upper House, and twenty-five are from the Lok Sabha.
• Thirty administrative districts serve as the basis for local administration in Rajasthan, which is dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress.
• From 1998-2018, Ashok Gehlot has served as Rajasthan’s chief minister.
• Now, Bhajan Lal Sharma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

geography of rajasthan

• With some areas of the Thar desert, commonly known as the Great Indian Desert, West Rajasthan is comparatively arid and desolate.
• The state’s southwest region has more fertile, mountainous, and wetter land.
• The Luna River, the only salty river in India, is located in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is divided into seven divisions and comprises 33 districts in total.
• Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Nagaur, Sirohi, and Udaipur are a few of the principal districts. Rajasthan covers an area of 186.4 square kilometers.
• In contrast, Rajasthan has 6.89 crore people living there, or 200 people per square kilometer.

climate of rajasthan

• As per the climate of rajasthan, summer averages in Rajasthan range from 25°C to 46°C, while winter averages range from 8°C to 28°C.
• The state’s average annual rainfall varies as well, ranging from roughly 100 mm to 650 mm in the southeast desert region. The monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, brings the most rain.

Conclusion

Rajasthan’s history is an enthralling narrative of bravery, tenacity, and diverse cultures. Rajasthan has continually evolved while maintaining its unique history, from its prehistoric beginnings in the Indus Valley Civilization to its involvement in the independence movement as well as its current position as an energetic and historically rich state. Rajasthan is a place of legends and heritage that does not go out of trend because of the heroic history of its kings and the spectacular architectural wonders that constantly cease to delight and amaze.