Short note on characteristics of the medieval rajput men and women ?
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Rajput (from Sanskrit raja-putra, "son of a king") is a large multi-component cluster of castes, kin bodies, and local groups, sharing social status and ideology of genealogical descent originating from the Indian subcontinent. The term Rajput covers various patrilineal clans historically associated with warriorhood: several clans claim Rajput status, although not all claims are universally accepted. According to modern scholars, almost all Rajputs clans originated from peasant or pastoral communities.
The term "Rajput" acquired its present meaning only in the 16th century, although it is also anachronistically used to describe the earlier lineages that emerged in northern India from the sixth century onwards. In the 11th century, the term "rajaputra" appeared as a non-hereditary designation for royal officials. Gradually, the Rajputs emerged as a social class comprising people from a variety of ethnic and geographical backgrounds. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the membership of this class became largely hereditary, although new claims to Rajput status continued to be made in the later centuries. Several Rajput-ruled kingdoms played a significant role in many regions of central and northern India until the 20th century.
The Rajput population and the former Rajput states are found in northern, western, central and eastern India as well as southern and eastern Pakistan. These areas include Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Eastern Punjab, Western Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Sindh.
The Rajput population in India was more than 120 million as of 1982.
The Medieval Indian History period lies between the 8th and the 18th century A.D. Ancient Indian history came to an end with the rule of Harsha and Pulakesin II.
The medieval period can be divided into two stages:
Early medieval period: 8th – 12th century A.D.
Later Medieval period: 12th-18th century.
About the Rajputs
They are the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya vamsa) or Lord Krishna (Chandra vamsa) or the Hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire (Agni Kula theory).
Rajputs belonged to the early medieval period.
The Rajput Period (647A.D- 1200 A.D.)
From the death of Harsha to the 12th century, the destiny of India was mostly in the hands of various Rajput dynasties.
They belong to the ancient Kshatriya families.
They are foreigners.
There were nearly 36 Rajput’ clans. The major clans were:
The Pratiharas of Avanti
The Palas of Bengal
The Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer
The Rathors of Kanauj
The Guhilas or Sisodiyas of Mewar
The Chandellas of Bundelkhand
The Paramaras of Malwa
The Senas of Bengal
The Solankis of Gujarat
The Pratiharas 8th-11th Century A.D
The Pratiharas were also called as Gurjara.
They ruled between 8th and 11th century A.D. over northern and western India.
Pratiharas: A fortification- The Pratiharas stood as a fortification of India’s defence against the hostility of the Muslims from the days of Junaid of Sind (725.A.D.) to Mahmud of Ghazni.
Rulers
Nagabhatta I (725-740 A.D.)
Founder of the Pratihara dynasty with Kanauj as it’s capital.
Vatsaraja and Nagabhatta II
Played a vital role in merging the empire.
Mihirabhoja
The most powerful Pratihara king.
During his period, the empire expanded from Kashmir to Narmada and from Kathiawar to Bihar.
Mahendrapala (885-908 A.D.)
Son of Mihirabhoja, was also a powerful ruler.
He extended his control over Magadha and North Bengal.
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