B.2 Rajput Kingdoms

1. Origin of Rajput State and Expansion

• Origin: Rajputs are a warrior class that emerged in the 6th century CE, primarily in the Indo-Gangetic plains and Rajasthan.
• Ethnicity: They were mainly of Kshatriya origin, with some Indo-Aryans, Indo-Scythians, and Indo-Greeks.
• Key Traits:
  • Valour and martial prowess
  • Strict adherence to dharma and chivalry
  • Land as the primary source of wealth
• Expansion:
  • Rajputs established independent kingdoms by the 8th century CE.
  • They resisted Muslim invasions and formed alliances with local rulers.
  • Their kingdoms were often fragmented, with each ruling house vying for dominance.

2. Chauhans of Delhi

• Capital: Ajmer and later Delhi
• Key Rulers:
  • Vasudev (11th century): Established the Chauhan kingdom in Ajmer.
  • Prithvi raj Chauhan (1191 CE): Fought against Muhammad of Ghor at the Battle of Tarain.
• Significance:
  • Played a crucial role in the Delhi Sultanate’s rise.
  • Their defeat at the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE) marked the decline of Rajput power in North India.
• Important Dates:
  • 1191 CE: First Battle of Tarain
  • 1192 CE: Second Battle of Tarain

3. Guhilas/Sisodiyas of Mewar

• Capital: Chittorgarh
• Key Rulers:
  • Rana Kumbha (1438–1468 CE): Fought against the Delhi Sultanate and expanded Mewar’s territory.
  • Rana Sanga (1509–1527 CE): A powerful Rajput ruler who resisted Mughal invasions.
• Significance:
  • Known for their resistance to foreign invasions.
  • Rana Sanga’s defeat by Babur at the Battle of Khanwa (1527 CE) marked the end of Mewar’s independence.
• Important Dates:
  • 1438–1468 CE: Rana Kumbha’s reign
  • 1527 CE: Battle of Khanwa

4. Chandelas of Bundelkhand

• Capital: Khajuraho
• Key Rulers:
  • Dhanga (9th century CE): Founded the Chandelas in Bundelkhand.
  • Yashovarman (950–975 CE): Known for the construction of the Khajuraho temples.
  • Raja Parmal (12th century): Known for his military campaigns and patronage of art and culture.
• Significance:
  • Prominent for their architectural achievements, especially the Khajuraho temples.
  • Declined due to invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and later by the Mughals.
• Important Dates:
  • 950–975 CE: Reign of Yashovarman
  • 12th century CE: Decline due to Sultanate invasions

5. Paramaras of Malwa

• Capital: Dhar and Mandu
• Key Rulers:
  • Bhoj Dev (910–957 CE): A prominent ruler known for his patronage of arts and culture.
  • Maldev (11th century CE): Fought against the Chauhans and later against the Delhi Sultanate.
• Significance:
  • Known for their cultural and architectural contributions.
  • Their kingdom was gradually annexed by the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century.
• Important Dates:
  • 910–957 CE: Reign of Bhoj Dev
  • 13th century CE: Decline due to Sultanate invasions

6. Solankis of Gujarat

• Capital: Patan
• Key Rulers:
  • Mularaja (1024–1064 CE): Founded the Solanki dynasty in Gujarat.
  • Lakshman Dev (1154–1172 CE): Known for his military campaigns and the construction of the Laxman Temple.
• Significance:
  • Prominent for their maritime trade and cultural achievements.
  • Declined due to invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and later by the Mughals.
• Important Dates:
  • 1024–1064 CE: Reign of Mularaja
  • 1154–1172 CE: Reign of Lakshman Dev

7. Gahadavalas of Kannauj

• Capital: Kannauj
• Key Rulers:
  • Gopala (11th century CE): Founded the Gahadavala dynasty.
  • Jayachandra (11th–12th century CE): Fought against the Chauhans and later against the Delhi Sultanate.
• Significance:
  • Known for their resistance to Muslim invasions.
  • Their kingdom was annexed by the Delhi Sultanate in the early 13th century.
• Important Dates:
  • 11th century CE: Founding of the Gahadavala dynasty
  • 12th century CE: Decline due to Sultanate invasions

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

• Rajput Kingdoms were prominent in North and West India from the 8th to 13th centuries CE.
• Chauhans of Delhi and Gahadavalas of Kannauj were the last major Rajput kingdoms to resist Muslim invasions.
• Rana Sanga of Mewar and Jayachandra of Kannauj are often asked in exams for their resistance against Mughals and Delhi Sultanate.
• Khajuraho Temples are associated with the Chandelas of Bundelkhand.
• Bhoj Dev of Malwa is known for his cultural patronage and the Dhar Fort.
• Mularaja of Gujarat is associated with the Laxman Temple and maritime trade.
• The Battle of Tarain (1192 CE) marked the decline of Rajput power in North India.