Question

Discuss critically the debate on the origins of the Rajputs.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

The word Rajputs comes from Rajaputra (the Sanskrit) meaning the king's family. Throughout Northern Indian history, Rajputs were influential in the sixth to twelfth centuries, also known as the Rajputs period. There are various major Rajput subdivisions, known as vansh or vamsha.

Explanation:

The Rajputs are normally divided into three main vanshs

• Raghuvanshis/Suryavanshis (clans of the "Solar dynasty"), descended via  Rama.
• Somavanshis/Chandravanshis (clans of the "lunar dynasty"), descended via Krishna.
• Agnivanshis (clans of the "fire dynasty"), descended from "Agnipala".
• Each of these "Vanshas" were divided into different kulas/clans , who have direct "patrilineage" from "common male ancestor" who belonged to that Vansha. Some of these "36 main clans" are further sub-divided into "shakhas" or “branches”, again centred the same "principle of patrilineage".
• Major "Suryavanshi clans" were Bais, Amethiya, Gaur, Chattar, Minhas, Kachwaha, Patial,  Pakhral, Naru, Pundir, Rathore, & Sisodias.
• Major "Chandravanshi clans" were Bhati, Bachhal, Chandelas, Bhangalia, Jadauns, Chudasama, Jarral, Jadeja, Pahore, Katoch,  Soam,  Raijada, & Tomaras.
• Major "Agnivanshi clans" are  Chauhan, Bhaal, Chavda, Dodiya,  Naga, Mori, Solankis, & Paramaras,
• The historians have "propounded" a number of theories" regarding their origin.

Main principle theories of their origin are:

Foreign Origin Theory

• Rajputs are descendant of races such as Sakas, Kushanas, Hunas, etc. according to this theory. This claim was supported since the Rajputs were being much like the Sakas and Hunas who were both fire- worshippers.
• Cunningham had described Rajputs as the "descendants" of the "Kushanas".
• The Rajputs in accordance to Tod, are of "Scythian origin". The term Scythian refers to the "Huns" & other related  tribes who had entered in India in 5th & 6th centuries
• AMTJackson had described Rajputs race as Khajara who had lived in Arminia in the 4th century. As the Hunas had invaded India, Khajaras reached India as well & they had settled here in the 6th century. These Khajaras were known as Indians Gurjaras.
• Gujarat was called Gurjara in the 10th century. Some scholars had thought the Gurjaras came into India and settled in various parts of India from Afghanistan.

Kashtriya Theory of Origin

• Gauri Shankar Ojha, Vaidya, & Ved Vyas did not support "foreign theory". Gauri Shankar Ojha an historian  points out that the Mewar, Jaipur and Bikaner rulers of Rajput were pure Aryaans and descended from the Suryavanshi & Chandravanshi dynasties..
• They had supported their view points by way of different arguments:

1. The fire worship amongst Rajputs had come from the Aryans & not from foreign races.
2. The traditions of Yajana & Sacrifice had existed amongst the Aryans.
3. The "physical attribution" of Rajputswas like the Aryans.

Mixed Origin Theory

• Historians such as VA Smith & Dr. DP Chatterjee had concluded that certain radddishes are descendants of alien races such as Hunas, Shakas, Kushanaas, etc.They were able to fight better in war fields with their sword & with the time Rajputs had transformed their name &began calling themselves "Rajputs"

Agnikula Theory

• This idea comes from Chandbardai 's book 'Prthiviraj Raso,' which says that the Rajputs originated from the "sacrificial fire" on Mt. Abu Mountains. Since Parshuram destroyed all of the Kashtriyas, so Brahmins were free. There were no Kahstriyas on earth to defend them. Therefore, for forty days, the Brahmins burnt the holy fire. Eventually, for their sake of safety, God provided them with the Rajputs. Four heroes were born of this Yajna Fire and the descendants of the 4 heroes were the 4 families of the Rajput.

1. Chauhans
2. Pratiharas
3. Paramaras
4. Solankis

These four agnikula clans had established their "power" in western India &  parts of central India.

1. The Pratiharas had ruled in Kanauj the region
2. The Chauhans had ruled central Rajasthan.
3. The Solankis ruled Kathaiwar region.
4. The Paramaras had power in the Malwa region

To know more

How did the Rajputs explain their origin - Brainly.in

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