Discuss critically the debate on the origins of the Rajput?
Answers
Answer:
Earliest and much debated opinion concerning the origin of the Rajputs is that all Rajput families were the descendants of the Gurjaras and the Guijaras were of foreign origin. Therefore, all Rajput families were of foreign origin and only, later on, were placed among Indian Kshatriyas and were called the Rajputs
Explanation:
During the early medieval period in Indian history-750-1200 AD, Rajputs emerged as a new Kshatriya clan. It started with emergence of various warrior castes which later got assimilated into a single caste-Rajputs.
The origin of Rajputs is a highly debated topic. Different historians have given different theories in this regard so i am writing a brief overview.
1. Agnikul Theory- that they emerged from sacred agni at mount abu as a result of havan performed by rishi vashishth. This is written in the bardic tradition.
2. Foreign Theory-Alexander Cunninghum, James Todd, Vincent Smith, R.n.Bhandarkar- That rajputs actually came along with foreign tribes like Hunas,Shakas, KUshanas, etc and thus are a later addition to the population who later hinduised themselves.
3. Indian Theory- C.v.Vaidya- That rajputs are Chandravanshi and suryavanshi and are original Indians and pure Aryans who fought against muslim foreign invaders.
4. Mixed origin theory
5. B.D.Chattopadhay has stated that origin and emergence of rajputs was closely related to the political, social and economic developments of that time.