The North Indian Kingdoms – The Rajputs

Introduction

Rajputs were the North Indian Kingdoms, one of the most powerful groups unfolded in Rajasthan. The medieval period of Indian History falls between the 8th to 18th century.The later medieval period continued from 12th to 18th century. The Rajputs became dominant in this era. The Rajput kingdom was led by several clans.

The Rajputs and Kingdoms of North India

The Rajputs are memorable as one of the most famous kingdoms in Indian history. They had their initial dominance in Rajasthan. The Rajput word came from Rajputra or Kings's son. They are mainly busy with hunting and farming. They got their positions based on these activities. The Rajput made their presence in the medieval period of Indian history. In between eighth to the eighteenth century, their rule was significant.

The initial clans of Gurjara Pratihara made expansion into Guhilas, Chahamanas, Chalukyas, Paramaras and other clans in the ninth century. The warrior clans of Jat peasant captured Rajasthan, as they were raised by Rajput predominance. Western Ganga Basin, Punjab, and some other parts were also occupied by them.

Rajput Clans

• There were 36 Rajput Clans in total.

• The main ones include -Ajmir and Delhi’s Chauhans, Bengal’s Palas, Mewar’s Sisodiyas, Kanauj’s Rathors, Malwa’s Paramaras, Bundelkhand’s Chandellas, Bengal’s Senas, and Gujarat’s Solankis were also included.

The Dynasty of Pala

Gopala established the Pala Dynasty in 765 A.D. He was the founder and leading person of this dynasty. The eastern and northern Indian states were under his order. There were continuous efforts to build the Pala Dynasty. The Pratiharas were defeated by Gopala’s son Dharmapala. Kanauj, Bengal, and Bihar came under the Pala dynasty during his time. The university of Vikramasila'' was founded by him.

The Nalanda University was also restored by this Buddhist king. The Dynasty of Pala was further extended to Orissa and Assam at the time of Devpala. As the son of Dharmapala, he kept his father’s work intact.

The Pala dynasty showed its power during the reign of Mahipala. It takes the declination stage after his death. There was controversy about Govinda Pala’s lineage by considering Madanapala as the last Pala king. The Dynasty of Pala became weak after Mahipala’s rule.

The Tripartite Struggle

The struggle was for supremacy over Kanauj and participants were - Bengal’s Palas, Pratiharas from India’s central part, Deccan’s Rashtrakutas. The struggle continued for about two hundred years. The Turks took the power as the struggling parties were weakened.

Delhi’s Tomars

The Tomars were Pratiharas’ feudatories and they had their rule on Haryana and Delhi between the eighth to twelfth centuries. Anangpal I established the Tomar dynasty. Anangpal II is known for his establishment and empowerment of Delhi. Prithviraj Chauhan empowered the Chauhans in Delhi by weakening the Tomars.

Ajmer and Delhi’s Chauhans

In the year 1101, the Chauhans made the declaration of independence. They were Pratiharas’ feudatories. Delhi and Malwa’s Pratiharas were defeated in the early twelfth century by the Chauhans for getting the power of Ujjain. Delhi was their new capital. Prithviraj Chauhan played the best role in this dynasty.

Kanauj’s Rathors

• Kanauj’s throne was captured by the Rathors in 1090-1194 A.D.

• Jaichand’s role in this dynasty was significant.

• Muhammad of Ghori killed him in 1194’s Chandwar battle.

Bundelkhand’s Chandellas

The dynasty of Chandela was introduced by Nannuk‘. Bundelkhand’s major part was under the Chandellas for about five hundred years.

Jejakabhukti was the popular name of Bundelkhand at this time. Khajuraho and then Mahoba was Chandel’s capital. The Kalinjar fort was founded at this time. In the year 1050, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built along with other temples.

Ghazni’s Mahmud attacked the dynasty but it was repulsed by the famous Maharaja Rao Vidyadhara. In the year 1203, Qutb-ud-din Aibak defeated the Paramardi, the Chandella king and weakened the power of Chandellas.

Mewa’s Sisodiyas or Guhllas

The dynasty of Guhila was established by Guhil. Kasmir was the origin of this clan and they were shifted to Gujarat and Mewar in the 6th and 7th centuries respectively. The dynasty of Sisodiya was founded by Bappa Rawal. Its capital was Chittor. Rawal Ratan Singh was ruling Mewar who was defeated by Ala-ud-din Khilji’s invasion. Maharana Pratap and Rana Sangha’s combined fight against the Mughal rulers was significant.

Malwa’s Paramaras

The Paramaras were other Pratihara feudatories Their independence was declared in the tenth century making Dhara the capital. Ala ud din Khilji conquered Malwa during the time of Paramaras rule. The capital was later transferred to Mandap-Durg. Raja Bhoja was a famous Paramara ruler who made a beautiful lake in Bhopal.

Rajput society

The Rajputs were known to be chivalrous and great warriors. They have a belief in protecting women and weak people. The Rajputs followed Hinduism strictly. They had the support of Jainism and Buddhism too. The Bhakti Cult initially started in this era. The feudal system was integrated into the society of Rajputs. Kathasaritasagar by Somadeva and Gita Govindam by Jayadeva were some of the major literary works during that period.

Conclusion

The Rajput kingdom was initiated in Rajasthan although they shifted their capital to other parts of India. The kingdom was expanded as controlled by approx 36 clans. The clans that had a significant role were - Palas, Chauhans, Guhilas, Rathors, Chandellas, Senas, Paramaras, and Solankis. Tripartite Struggle was a fight among three ruling parties for the supremacy of Kanauj. The Rajputs have priority in culture, religion, society and education.

FAQs

Qns 1. Where was the River of Kings extracted from?

Ans. The River of Kings was extracted from Rajatarangin. It was written by Kalhana.

Qns 2. Name some architectural contributions of Rajputs.

Ans. The Rajputs were experts in architecture and art. Many Hindu temples were constructed at various places of India at this time. Some of their key architectural contributions are - Konark’s Sun Temple, Mount Abu’s Dilwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar’s Lingaraja Temple, and Khajuraho’s temples.

Qns 3. What was Siddhanta Shiromani written about?

Ans. Siddhanta Shiromani was a book written on astronomical facts. The book was written by Bhaskara Charya.