The fall of the Gupta Empire, which held dominance in northern India
for nearly 300 years until the early 5th Century, was followed by a period of instability as various
local chieftains sought to gain supremacy. Power rose and fell in northern India. Stability was only
restored with the emergence of the Gurjara Partiharas, the earliest of the Rajput
(from 'Rajputra', or Sons of Princes) dynasties which were later to hold the balance of power
throughout Rajasthan.
Whatever their actual origins, the Rajputs have evolved a complex mythological
genealogy. This ancestry can be divided into two main branches: the Suryavansa, or Race
of the Sun (Solar Race), which claims direct descent from Rama; and the Induvansa, or Race of the
Moon (Lunar race), which claims descent from Krishna, Later a third branch was added,
the Agnikula, or 'Fire Born'. These people claim they were manifested from the flames of a
sacrificial fire on Mt.Abu From these three Principal races emerged the 36 Rajput clans.
The Rajput clans gave rise to dynasties such as the Chauhans, Sisodias, Kachhwahas
and Rathores. Chauhans of the Agnikula Race emerged in the 12th century and were renowned
for their valour. Their territories included the Sapadalksha kingdom, which encompassed a vast area
including present- day Jaipur, Ranthambhore, part of Mewar, the western portion of
Bundi district, Ajmer Kishangarh and even, at one time, Delhi. Branches of the Chauhans also ruled
territories know as Ananta (in present-day Shekhawati) and Saptasatabhumi.
The Sisodias of the Suryavansa Race, Originally from Gujarat, migrated to Rajasthan
in the mid-7th Century and reigned over Mewar, which encompassed Udaipur and Chittorgarh.
The Kachhwahas, originally from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, travelled west in
the 12th century. They built the massive fort at Amber, and later shifted the capital to
Jaipur. Like the Sisodias, they belonged to the Suryavansa Race.
Also belonging to the Suryavansa Race, the Rathore (earlier known as Rastrakutas)
traveled from Kanauj, in Uttar Pradesh. Initially they settled in Pali, south of present-day
Jodhpur, but later moved to Mandore in 1381 and ruled over Marwar (Jodhpur). Later they started
building the stunning Meherangarh (fort) at Jodhpur.
The Bhattis, who belong to the Induvansa Race, driven from their homeland in the
Punjab by the Turks, installed themselves at Jaisalmer in 1156. They remained more of
less entrenched in their desert Kingdom untill they were integrated into the state of Rajasthan
following Independence. |
