Talk:Muhammed Seif Khatib and Rajput: Difference between pages

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'''Rajput''' is a [[Hindu]] [[Kshatriya]] caste. They claim descent from the ancient royal warrior dynasties of Kshatriyas in India and Pakistan and are found predominantly also in [[Rajputana]], an area which has come to be known as [[Rajasthan]] after the formation of this state in independent, post-colonial India. Lord Rama was a Kshatriya of the Raghuvanshi clan. They are numerous in [[Uttar Pradesh]] (UP), [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Gujarat]], [[Bihar]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu & Kashmir]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[Delhi]] in [[India]]. Within the Hindu [[caste system]], present day Rajputs constitute one of the principal groups belonging to the [[Kshatriya]] [[varna (caste)|varna]]. The Rajputs ruled more than four hundred out of six hundred estimated number of princely states at the time of independence of India and Pakistan. Out of many princely states 117 were saluted states in India and 4 in Pakistan total states 121. ([[Salute states]]). Rajputs ruled 81 states in India out of 121 states in 1947.They are counted in [[Salute states]]. The Rajputs have always been martial.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} The [[Mughal]] and the British Government also accepted it and recruited them heavily in their armies. the rajputs were dumb asses.

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[[Image:Monitors Mayo College Ajmer.jpg|thumb|[[Mayo College]] was opened by the British Government to educate Rajput princes and other nobles in 1875 at [[Ajmer]] [[Rajputana]]. Viewed in this picture are first four Rajput princes and extreme right is Muslim.]]

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== Composition ==

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The Rajputs were designated by the British as a "[[Martial Race]]". They also were the first group in India who originally used the surname [[Singh]]. The martial race was a designation created by officials of [[British India]] to describe "races" (peoples) that were thought to be naturally warlike and [[aggressive]] in [[battle]] and to possess qualities like [[courage]], [[loyalty]], [[self sufficiency]], [[physical strength]], [[resilience]], orderliness, hard working, fighting tenacity and [[military strategy]]. The British recruited heavily from these "martial races" for service in the [[colonial army]].<ref>''Glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and [[NWFP]], H A Rose''</ref>

}}

The 1931 census of [[British India]] was the last to record caste affiliation in a manner that provides reliable information on Rajput demographics. Any present-day estimates are speculative; they also vary widely. These figures are of interest as they denote the approximate spread and composition of the Rajput community.

The 1931 census reported a total of 12.8 million people self-describing as Rajput. The [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]] (being approximately present-day [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]] combined) reported the largest population of Rajputs, at 3,756,936. The (then united) province of [[Bihar]] & [[Orissa]], corresponding to the present-day states of Bihar, Orissa and [[Jharkhand]], reported a Rajput population of 1,412,440. [[Rajputana]], which was almost co-terminus with the present-day state of [[Rajasthan]], reported a figure of 669,516. The [[Central Provinces and Berar]] reported a figure of 506,087, the [[princely state]] of [[Gwalior]] of 393,076, the [[Central India Agency]] of 388,942, the [[Bombay Presidency]] of 352,016, the [[princely state]] of [[Kashmir|Jammu & Kashmir]] of 256,020, and the Western India States Agency of 227,137 Rajputs. The undivided province of [[Bengal]] (including present-day [[Bangladesh]] reported a figure of 156,978 Rajputs. The [[princely state]]s of [[Baroda]] and [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]] reported figures of 94,893 and 88,434 respectively. The Rajput population is relatively low in number because of their destruction during ages in wars.

Rajputs typically speak whatever languages are spoken by the general population of the areas they live in. [[Hindi]] and [[Urdu]] are the primary languages, as most are situated in the "Hindi-speaking states" and [[Pakistan]], but [[Gujarati]] and [[Punjabi]] are also spoken among Rajputs residing in [[Punjab region]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Gujarat]] in [[India]] and [[Pakistan]].

They comprised of [[Hindu]]s belonging to the [[Kshatriya]] varna and to a specific set of 36 clans. Several other communities identify themselves as being Rajput, typically claiming to be of partial Rajput descent. They are found both in the Hindu community and in other religious groups.

=== Cognate Hindu communities ===

Certain Hindu communities claim partial descent from the Rajput community while holding social identities that set them apart from the main communion. The [[Garasia]] [[Scheduled tribe]] of the [[Aravalli]] hills are among these. Many Rajputs perforce fled to the hills at various points in history, where they are said to have occasionally intermarried with the [[Bhil]]s; the Garasia community claim to be descended from such intermarriage. Some sections of the [[Gaddi]] scheduled tribe of [[Himachal Pradesh]] ascribe to themselves a similar heritage, as do the [[Gadia Lohar]] community of nomadic blacksmiths. Certain specific sections of the [[Jain]] and [[Marwari]] communities also hold themselves to be of part-Rajput descent. Clans and tribes belonging to [[Oad]] community also claim its lineage as being that of Rajputs. Similarly [[Gujars]] and [[Jats]] also claim to be of rajput descent.

=== Others ===

[[Sikh Rajputs]]

The census of 1931 recorded the existence of 50,000 [[Sikh]] Rajputs. Occasional instances of inter-marriage between them and Hindu Rajputs are recorded.

== Origins ==

{{main|Origin of Rajputs}}

The [[Sanskrit]] word [[Rajputra]] is found in the [[Vedas]], the [[Ramayana]], and the [[Mahabharata]]. It has been used by [[Panini]]. The word [[Kshatriya]] was initially used for the community of warriors and rulers. After the passage of much time there were many [[Kshatriyas]]. Some of them left their traditional occupation. Some were still rulers and warriors. As a custom these kings married only with the sons and daughters of kings. They were abundant in India. It is very clear from the [[Purana]]s, [[Ramayana]], [[Mahabharata]], [[Prithviraj Raso]], [[Akbarnama]], and present genealogy that they intermarried with the royal families only. The rule of [[primogeniture]] allowed only the eldest male offspring of a king to succeed him. The rest were known as [[Rajputra]]s. The word Rajput is claimed to be a corruption of Rajputra. Gradually it became a caste.

The traditional occupations of the Rajputs besides rulers are war and agriculture.

=== Legendary ===

{{main|Rajput clans}}

Rajputs regard themselves as being descended from the [[Vedic civilization|vedic]] warrior class known as the [[Kshatriya]]s. To differentiate them from ordinary Kshatriyas word Rajput was used, which literally means "son of a King". Rajput belong to two great patrilineages, which are:

* The [[Suryavanshi]] lineage, claiming descent from [[Surya]]. The [[Sun Dynasty]] is oldest among Kshatriyas. The first person of this dynasty was "Vivaswan", who by the meaning of his name is considered to be "Surya". [[Ikshvaku]] was first important king of this dynasty. Other important kings were Kakutsth [[Harishchandra]], Sagar, [[Dileepa]], [[Bhagiratha]], [[Raghu]] Dashratha and [[Rama]]. Poet [[Kalidasa]] wrote the great epic [[Raghuvamsa]].

* The [[Chandravanshi]] lineage, claiming descent from ''Som'' which literally means "Moon". This [[Lunar Dynasty]] is also old but younger than the [[Sun Dynasty]]. Som was the first king of this dynasty. Other important kings were Pururawa, Nahush, [[Yayati]], Dushyant, [[Bharata]], Kuru, Shantanu and Yudhishthir. [[Yadu]] was eldest son of [[Yayati]] and [[Yadav]]s claim descent from [[Yadu]]. [[Krishna]] was also born in this dynasty of [[Yadu]]. [[Harivamsa]] gives details of this dynasty. [[Chauhan]] also are somvanshi though illeterate bards made them [[Agnivanshi]] a concept which is not true.

The aforementioned two patrilineages (''vanshas'') sub-divide into 36 main clans (''kulas''), which in turn divide into numerous branches (''shakhas'') to create the intricate [[Rajput clans|clan system]] of the Rajputs. The principle of patrilineage is staunchly adhered to in determining one's place in the system and a strong consciousness of clan and lineage is an essential part of the Rajput character. As the 1911 edition of the [[Encyclopedia Britannica]] states, this tradition of common ancestry permits an indigent Rajput yeoman to consider himself as well-born as any powerful landholder of his clan, and superior to any high official of the professional classes. Authoritative listings of the 36 Rajput clans are to be found in the ''Kumārpāla Charita'' of Jayasimha and the ''[[Prithviraj Raso|Prithvirāj Rāso]]'' of [[Chandbardai]].

The Rajput warrior clans asserted mythical origins for themselves. For example, the Suyavanshi were descended from the sun.

===Legend of Agnivansha===

Among the legends mentioned above, the one which addresses the origin of the ''[[Agnivanshi]]'' Rajputs is particularly disputed not least because they were the earliest to rise to political prominence. This legend begins with the [[Puranas|puranic]] legend wherein the traditional ''[[kshatriya]]s'' of the land were exterminated by [[Parashurama]], an [[avatara]] of [[Vishnu]]. Later, the legend says, sage [[Vasishta]] performed a great ''Yajna'' or fire-sacrifice, to seek from the Gods a provision for the defense of righteousness on earth. In answer to his prayer, a youth arose from the very flames of the sacrifice -- the first ''Agnivanshi'' Rajput. According to [[Bhavishya Purana]] an [[yagna]] was held at [[Mount Abu]] during the time of [[Ashoka]]'s sons. This produced four warriors and an elephant. The ''Agnikunda legend'' is explained in [[Agnivansha]].Ashoka and his sons were Buddhists but the general of last [[Mauryan]] empereor was a staunch [[Brahmin]].

=== Historical ===

Legend of Agnivansh is associated with Sage Vashishta when trying to save his Ashram from Vishwamitra's army he creates a "fire born" kshatriya. This legend has been embeliished by indologists over the years. Obviusly it is untrue.

== History ==

{{main|History of Rajputs}}

[[Image:Pritam niwas with.jpg|thumb|right|250px|During the centuries-long rule of northern India, the Rajputs constructed several magnificent palaces. Shown here is the ''Chandramahal'' in [[Jaipur]], Rajasthan, which was built by [[Kachwaha]] Rajputs]].

=== Early History (6th to 8th c.)===

The [[Rai Dynasty]], who ruled [[Sindh]] in the 6th and 7th centuries and were displaced by an Arab army led by [[Bin Qasim]], are sometimes held to have been Rajputs. According to some sources, [[Bin Qasim]], an Arab who invaded [[Sindh]] in the 8th century, also attacked [[Chittorgarh]], and was defeated by [[Bappa Rawal]]. Certain other invasions by marauding ''"Yavvanas"'' are also recorded in this era. By this time, the appellation ''"Yavvana"'' (literally: "Ionian/Greek") was used in connection to any tribe that emerged from the west and north-west of present-day [[Pakistan]]. These invasions may therefore have been a continuation of the usual invasions into India by warlike but less civilized tribes from the north-west, and not a reference to the Greeks or [[Indo-Greek]]s. [[Lalitaditya Muktapida|Lalitaditya]] of [[Kashmir]] defeated one such ''Yavvana'' invasion in the 8th century and the Pratiharas rebuffed another in the 9th century.

=== Rajput kingdoms (8th to 11th c.)===

The first Rajput kingdoms are attested to in the [[7th century]] and it was during the 9th, 10th & 11th centuries that the Rajputs rose to prominence in [[History of India|Indian history]]. The four ''[[Agnivanshi]]'' clans, namely, the [[Pratihara]]s (Pariharas), [[Solanki]]s (Chaulukyas), [[Paramara]]s (Parmars) and [[Ghosh]], [[Chauhan]]s (Chahamanas), rose to prominence first. But there were other Rajputs also who rose to prominence.

'''The [[Guhilote]] dynasty''' of [[Chittor]] established their rule in 8th century CE.[[Bappa Rawal]] of this dynasty established his rule in 734 CE at Chittor. [[Chittor]], ( Sanskrit name ''Chitrakuta'') was then ruled by [[Mori]] clan of Rajputs. Maan Mori was their last king at Chittor. It is believed the word Mori is corruption of [[Maurya]], the famous dynasty. Rajput is believed to be a corruption of ''Rajputra''.

=== Major Kingdoms ===

The Imperial [[Pratihara]]s established their rule over [[Malwa]] and ruled from [[Bhinmal]] and afterwords [[Ujjaini]] in the 8th & 9th century. One branch of the clan established a state in [[Mandore]]<ref>[http://www.justicekansingh.org/the_mandore.htm]</ref>, [[Marwar]] in 6th and 7th century where they held sway until they were supplanted by the [[Rathore]]s in the 14th century. Around 816 AD, the Pratiharas of Ujjaini conquered [[Kannauj]], from which city they ruled much of northern India for a century. They went into decline after [[Rashtrakuta]] invasions in the early 10th century.

;[[Solanki]]s

Solankis were descended from the [[Chalukya]]s who ruled much of peninsular India between the 6th and 12th centuries. In the 10th century, a local branch of the clan established control over Gujarat and ruled a state centered around the town of Patan. They went into decline in the 13th century and were displaced by the [[Vaghela]].

;[[Paramara]]s

Were near neighbours of the Solankis. They originated as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas and rose to power in the 10th century. They ruled Malwa and the area at the border between present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan. [[Bhoja]], celebrated king of Malwa, belonged to this dynasty. In the 12th century, the Paramaras declined in power due to conflict with the Solankis and succumbed to attack from the [[Delhi sultanate]] in 1305.

The ''[[Rever|Rever's]]'' of The State of Tarangagadh. The sword of Rever is known in the history of war in 11th century. They ruled Taranga and the area at the border between present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan belonged to this dynasty.

;[[Chandela]]s

In the early 10th century, the Chandelas ruled the fortress-city of Kalinjar. A dynastic struggle (c.912-914 AD) among the Pratiharas provided them with the opportunity to extend their ___domain. They captured the strategic fortress of [[Gwalior]] (c.950) under the leadership of Dhanga (ruled 950-1008). Dhanga's grandson Vidyadhara (1017-29) expanded the Chandela kingdom to its greatest extent, from the Chambal river in the northwest to the Narmada River in the south, thus covering a large portion of the present-day state of Madhya Pradesh.

;[[Tomara]]s or [[Tanwar]]s

Tomars, or Tanwars, are Chandravanshi Rajputs, and descended from Mahabharat's great hero, Arjun, through his son Abhimanyu, and grandson, Parikshat. Chakravarti Samrat (King) Yudhishtra, founded Indraprastha, present day Delhi. Tomars (King Anangpal Tomar)conquered and re-established the Delhi Kingdom in A.D. 792, and founded the city of 'Dhillika', modern Delhi. Besides Delhi, Tomar rule covered western U.P., and most of present day Haryana and Punjab. Tomar rule lasted until A.D. 1162 A.D. when last Tomar King Anangpal- II appointed Prithviraj Chauhan, his grandson - his daughter's son, and King of Ajmer- as 'catetaker', since his own sons were very young at that time. According to the accounts kept by Tomar/ Tanwar 'Jagas', King Anangpal Tomar appinted Prithviraj Chauhan as caretaker only, when he went on a religious pilgrimage. It is also said by Tanwar 'Jagas' that when King Anangpal returned back, Prithviraj refused to hand over the kingdom to him. It is worth mentioning that 'Jagas' are a caste in Rajasthen who are hereditary keepers of genealogical records of Rajputs, and present 'Jagas' of Tomar/ Tanwar Rajputs reside near Jaipur, Rajasthan.

;[[Chauhan]]s

These originated as feudatories of the Pratiharas and rose to power in the wake of the decline of that power. Their state was initially centered around Sambhar in present-day Rajasthan. In the 11th century, they founded the city of [[Ajmer]] which became their capital. In the 12th century, they captured Delhi from the Tomaras. Their most famous ruler was [[Prithviraj Chauhan]], who won the [[First Battle of Tarain]] against an invading Muslim army but lost the [[second battle of Tarain]] the following year. This loss heralded a prolonged period of Muslim rule over northern India.

;[[Ghosh]]

Most of Ghosh belong to [[Rajput]] caste in [[bengal]]on that time

who fight with [[mughals]] and British.Most ghosh says as kayastha which means same kshtriyas.Many ghosh belong to [[vikrampur]],[[Bangaladesh]].

;Other early states

The ''[[Suryavanshi]]'' and ''[[Chandravanshi]]'' Rajputs later established independent states. The [[Chandela]] clan ruled [[Bundelkhand]] after the 10th century, occupying the fortress of [[Kalinjar]]; they later built the famous temples at [[Khajuraho]].

The organization of [[Rajput clans|Rajput clan]] finally crystallized in this period. Intermarriage among the Rajput clans interlinked the various regions of India and Pakistan, facilitating the flow of trade and scholarship. Archaeological evidence and contemporary texts suggest that Indian society achieved significant prosperity during this era.

The literature composed in this period, both in [[Sanskrit]] and in the [[Apabhramsha]]s, constitutes a substantial segment of classical Indian literature. The early 11th century saw the reign of the [[polymath]] king [[Bhoja]], Paramara ruler of Malwa. He was not only a patron of literature and the arts but was himself a distinguished writer. His ''[[Samarangana-sutradhara]]'' deals with architecture and his ''Raja-Martanda'' is a famous commentary on the [[Yoga]]-[[sutra]]s. Many major monuments of northern and central India, including those at Khajuraho, date from this period.

=== Islamic invasions (11th to 12th c.) ===

The fertile and prosperous plains of [[North India|northern India]] had always been the destination of choice for streams of invaders coming from the north-west. The last of these waves of invasions were of tribes who had previously converted to Islam. Due to geographic reasons, Rajput-ruled states suffered the brunt of aggression from various [[Mongol]]-[[Turkic peoples|Turkic]]-[[Demographics of Afghanistan|Afghan]] warlords who repeatedly invaded the subcontinent. In his ''New History of India'', [[Stanley Wolpert]] wrote "The Rajputs were the vanguard of Hindu India in the face of the Islamic onslaught."

Within 15 years of the death of the [[Muhammad]], the caliph [[Uthman|Usman]] sent a sea expedition to raid [[Thana]] and [[Broach]] on the [[Bombay]] coast. Other unsuccessful raiding expeditions to [[Sindh]] took place in [[662]] and [[664]] AD. Indeed, within a hundred years after Muhammad's death, Muslim armies had overrun much of [[Asia]] as far as the [[Hindu Kush]]. However, it was not until ''c.''1000 AD that they could establish any foothold in India.

In the early 11th century, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] conquered the Hindu [[Shahi]] kingdom in [[Punjab region|the Punjab]]. His raids into northern India weakened the [[Pratihara]] kingdom, which was drastically reduced in size and came under the control of the [[Chandela]]s. In 1018 AD, Mahmud sacked the city of [[Kannauj]], seat of the Pratihara kingdom, but withdrew immediately to Ghazni, being interested in booty rather than empire. In the ensuing chaos, the [[Gahadvala]] dynasty established a modest state centered around Kannauj, ruling for about a hundred years. They were defeated by [[Muhammad of Ghor]] in 1194 AD, when the city was sacked by the latter.

Meanwhile, a nearby state centered around present-day [[Delhi]] was ruled successively by the [[Tomara]] and [[Chauhan]] clans. [[Prithiviraj III]], ruler of Delhi, defeated [[Muhammad of Ghor]] at the [[First Battle of Tarain]] (1191 AD). Muhammad returned the following year and defeated Prithviraj at the [[Second Battle of Tarain]] (1192 AD). In this battle, as in many others of this era, rampant internecine conflict among Rajput kingdoms facilitated the victory of the invaders.

[[Image:Mehrangarh Fort.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Mehrangarh Fort]], ancient home of the [[Rathore]] rulers of [[Marwar]] in [[Rajasthan]]]]

[[Image:Chittorgarh.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Chittorgarh]] witnessed several heroic battles between Rajputs and Muslim invaders. Three different times did its womenfolk perform ''[[Jauhar]]''.]]

[[Image:Jaipur is called the pink city.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Jaipur is one of several major cities founded by Rajput rulers during the mughal era.]]

[[Image:Hawa Mahal inside, Jaipur.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The ''"Jharokha"'' arches, now regarded as typical of Rajput architecture, were actually brought to [[Rajasthan]] from [[Bengal]] by Rajput rulers serving as mughal officers in that province.]]

=== Medieval Rajput States (12th to 16th c.) ===

[[Prithviraj Chauhan]] proved to be the last Rajput ruler of [[Delhi]]. The Chauhans, led by Govinda, grandson of Prithviraj, later established a small state centered around [[Ranthambore]] in present-day [[Rajasthan]]. The [[Songara]] sept of the Chauhan clan later ruled [[Jalore]], while and [[Hada]] sept of the same clan established their rule over the [[Hadoti]] region in the mid-13th century. The [[Rever]] Maharaja Ranavghansinh ruled [[Taranga]], while region in the 11th century. The Tomaras later established themselves at [[Gwalior]], and the ruler Man Singh built the fortress which still stands there. As we have seen, Muhammad's armies brought down the Gahadvala kingdom of Kannauj in [[1194]] AD. Some surviving members of the Gahadvala dynasty are said to have refugeed to the western desert, formed the [[Rathore]] clan, and later founded the state of [[Marwar]]. The [[Kachwaha]] clan came to rule [[Dhundhar]] (later [[Jaipur]]) with their capital at [[Amber, India|Amber]].

Other relocations surmised to have occurred in this period include the emigration of Rajput clans to the [[Himalaya]]s. The [[Katoch]] clan, the Chauhans of Chamba and certain clans of [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Nepal]] are counted among this number.

==== Conflict with the Sultanate ====

The [[Delhi Sultanate]] was founded by [[Qutb ud din Aybak]], Muhammad of Ghor's successor, in the early 13th century. Sultan [[Ala ud din Khilji|Alauddin Khilji]]) conquered [[Gujarat]] (1297), [[Malwa]] (1305), [[Ranthambore]] (1301), [[Chittorgarh]] (1303) [[Jalore]] and [[Bhinmal]] (1311), all after long sieges and fierce resistance from their Rajput defenders.

'''First Jauhar:''' In particular, the siege of Chittor (1303), its brave defence by the [[Guhila]]s, the saga of [[Rani Padmini]] and the ''[[Jauhar]]'' she led are the stuff of immortal legend. This incident has had a defining impact upon the Rajput character and is detailed in a succeeding section.

Ala-ud-din Khilji delegated the administration of the newly conquered areas to his principal Rajput collaborator, Maldeo Songara, ruler of [[Jalore]]; the latter was soon displaced by his son-in-law [[Rana Hamir|Hammir]], a scion of the lately displaced [[Guhila]] clan, who re-established the state of [[Mewar]] ''c.''1326 AD. Mewar was to emerge as a leading Rajput state, after [[Rana Kumbha]] expanded his kingdom at the expense of the sultanates of [[Malwa]] and [[Gujarat]].

=== Mughal Era (16th-18th c.) ===

The Delhi sultanate was extinguished when [[Babur]] defeated [[Ibrahim Lodi]] at the [[First Battle of Panipat]] in [[1526]]. [[Rana Sanga]], ruler of Mewar, rallied an army to challenge Babur. He was betrayed by one of his Rajput generals, and was defeated by [[Babur]] at the [[Battle of Khanua]] on [[March 16]], [[1527]]. However, it was not until the reign of [[Akbar]] that the structure of relations between the Mughal imperium and the Rajput states took definitive shape.

'''Second Jauhar:''' Rana Sanga died soon after the battle of Khanua; shortly afterwards, Mewar came under the regency of his widow, Rani Karmavati. The kingdom was menaced by Bahadur Shah, ruler of Gujarat. According to one romantic legend of dubious veracity, Karmavati importuned the assistance of [[Humayun]], son of her late husband's foe. The help arrived, but too late; Chittor was reduced by Bahadur Shah. This is the occasion for the second of the three ''[[Jauhar]]s'' performed at Chittor. Karmavati led the ladies of the citadel into death by fire, while the menfolk sallied out to meet the besieging Muslim army in a hopeless fight to the death.

==== Mughal-Rajput Alliance ====

Babur's son [[Humayun]] was a ruler who was forced to spend long periods in exile. His son Akbar, however, was made of a different mettle. [[Akbar]] consolidated his inheritance and expanded what had been the "Delhi sultanate" into a wide empire. A main factor in this success was indubitably his co-option of native Rajput chiefs into his empire-building project; his reign countenanced, for the first time, the involvement of [[Hindu]]s in the affairs of the empire. The Rajput chiefs collaborated with alacrity, an alliance cemented by marriage, with numerous Rajput noblewomen being wed to mughal grandees. The [[Kachwahas]] were the first to extend matrimonial alliances with Akbar; they pioneered a trend that soon turned pervasive and played no small role in extending Rajput influence across the [[Indian sub-continent]], from [[Bengal]] to [[Afghanistan]] to the [[Deccan]]. Indeed, two successive mughal emperors, [[Jehangir]] and [[Shah Jehan]], were born to Rajput mothers.

Rajput chiefs served as mughal officers and administrators across the mughal empire and enjoyed much influence in the government. In this period, the ''aristocratic'' image of the Rajputs can be said to have finally crystallized; consequently, caste-divisions became rigid. The trend of political relations between Rajput states and the central power was the precursor for similar relations between them and the British.

==== Maharana Pratap ====

[[Image:City Palace Udaipur.jpg|thumb|250px|Udaipur City Palace [[Udaipur]] remained capital of [[Mewar]] after fall of [[Chittor]] till its accession in Independent India.]]

'''Third Jauhar:''' However, these relations were not universally approbated. [[Mewar]], which justly enjoys a unique position in the Rajput mind, held out and valiantly gave battle to Akbar. After a brave struggle, Mewar's chief citadel of [[Chittor]] finally fell to Akbar in [[1568]]. The third (and last) ''Jauhar'' of Chittor transpired on this occasion. When the fall of the citadel became imminent, the ladies of the fort committed collective self-immolation and the men sallied out of the fort to meet the invading Muslim army in a hopeless fight to an honourable death.

Prior to this event, Mewar's ruler, [[Rana Udai Singh II]], had retired to the nearby hills; where he founded a new town [[Udaipur]] named after him. He was succeeded while in exile by his son [[Rana Pratap]] as head of the [[Sisodia]] clan. Even in exile, the Sisodias did not rest; under the able leadership of Rana Pratap Singh, they harassed the mughal administrators of the land enough to cause them to make accommodatory overtures. [[Rana Pratap]], a present-day Rajput icon, rebuffed every such overtures of friendship from Akbar, and rallied an army to meet the mughal forces. Some Historical say that he was defeated at the battle of [[Haldighati]] but Mughals never invaded in Udaipur on [[June 21]], [[1576]] and was forced to withdraw to the [[Aravalli]] ranges. However, he carried out a relentless guerilla struggle from his hideout in those hills, and never gave in to the mughal power. By the time of his death, Rana Pratap Singh had reconquered nearly all of his kingdom from the Mughals, except for the fortress of [[Chittor]] and Mandal Garh. He died in 1597 CE. After Pratap's death, his son Rana Amar Singh continued the struggle for 18 years, and faced constant attacks from Mughals. He faced 18 wars during this period. Finally he entered into peace treaty with the Mughals but with certain exemptions. The exemptions granted to him and rulers of [[Mewar]] were 1.Rana of Mewar shall not attend the Mughal court personally but crown prince shall attend the court.2.It was not necessary for Rana and [[Sisodia]]s to enter into marriage alliance with [[Mughals]].The treaty was signed by Rana Amar Singh and prince "Khurram" (later [[Shah Jahan]]) in 1615 CE at [[Gogunda]]. He thus regained control of his state as a vassal of the Mughals.

The Sisodias rulers of Mewar were famously the last Rajput dynasty to enter into alliance with the Mughals. The Rajput states thereafter remained loyal to the mughal empire for over two centuries, until it was supplanted by the [[British Raj]]. Indeed, even as late as in the early 19th century, Rajput courts rarely failed to formally affirm their loyalty to the (by now entirely powerless) mughal emperor in all their official ''communiques'' and documents.

=== Maratha and British Suzerainty (18th to 20th c.) ===

The [[Maratha]]s of the [[Deccan]] rose to power in the 18th century. They conquered the major portion of India during this period, including the Rajput states of central and western India. [[Jodhpur]] was conquered by [[Sindhia]], who annexed the fort and town of [[Ajmer]] and levied a tribute of 60,000 rupees. James Tod, whose personal observation pertains to this period, records that internecine disputes, succession wars and the relentless exaction of levies by the Marathas left the Rajput states immiserated, and that the Rajput states repeatedly petitioned the [[British India|British]] administration for protection. After the [[Third Anglo-Maratha War]] (1817-1818), 18 states in the [[Rajputana]] region, of which 15 were ruled by Rajputs, entered into "subsidiary alliance" with the [[HEIC]] and became [[princely state]]s under the [[British Raj]]. The British took direct control of Ajmer, which became the province of [[Ajmer-Merwara]]. A vast number of other Rajput states in central and western India made a similar transition. Most of them were placed under the authority of the [[Central India Agency]] and the various states' agencies of [[Kathiawar]].

[[Image:The Jaipur infantry 1936.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Rajput army officers with British army officers in 1936, before world war II]]

The British colonial officials in general were very impressed by the military qualities of the Rajputs. In his ''Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan'' [[James Tod]] writes:

:''"What nation on earth could have maintained the semblance of civilization, the spirit or the customs of their forefathers, during so many centuries of overwhelming depression, but one of such singular character as the Rajpoot? . . . Rajast’han exhibits the sole example in the history of mankind, of a people withstanding every outrage barbarity could inflict, or human nature sustain, from a foe whose religion commands annihilation; and bent to the earth, yet rising buoyant from the pressure, and making calamity a whetstone to courage. . . . Not an iota of their religion or customs have they lost. . . ".''

When India gained its independence in 1947, the Rajput states acceded unto the [[dominion of India]] and [[Pakistan|dominion of Pakistan]]. They were all merged into the [[union of India]] before 1950.

== Culture and Ethos ==

The Rajput ethos is martial in spirit, fiercely proud and independent, and emphasizes lineage and tradition. Rajput patriotism is legendary, an ideal they embodied with a sometimes fanatical zeal, often choosing death before dishonour. Rajput warriors were often known to fight until the last man.

[[Image:Rajputsword.jpg|thumb|250px|typical sword used by Rajput Warriors]]

All recorded instances of [[jauhar]] and "Saka" have featured Rajput defenders of a fort, resisting the invasion of a Muslim force. On several occasions when defeat in such an engagement became certain, the Rajput defenders of the fort scripted a final act of heroism that rendered the incident an immortal inspiration and afforded the invaders only an exceedingly hollow, inglorious victory. In such incidents, the ladies of the fort would commit collective self-immolation. Wearing their wedding dresses, and holding their young children by the hand, the ladies would commit their chastity to the flames of a massive, collective pyre, thereby escaping molestation and dishonour at the hands of the invading army. As the memorial of their heroic act, the ladies would leave only the imprint of the palm of their right hands on wet clay, which have become objects of veneration. This immolation would occur during the night, to the accompaniment of Vedic chants. Early the next morning, after taking a bath, the men would wear saffron-coloured garments, apply the ash from the pyres of their wives and children on their foreheads and put a [[tulsi]] leaf in their mouth. Then the gates would be opened and men would ride out for one final, heroic, hopeless battle, dying gloriously on the field of honour. This fight till death of men is called "Saka" The historic fort of Chittor, seat of the [[Sisodia]] kingdom of [[Mewar]], was the site of the three most famous ''Jauhars'' recorded in history.

The Rajput lifestyle was designed to foster a martial spirit. Tod (1829) describes at length the bond between the Rajputs and their swords. The double-edged scimitar known as the ''khanda'' was a popular weapon among the Rajputs of that era. On special occasions, a primary chief would break up a meeting of his vassal chiefs with ''khanda nariyal,'' the distribution of daggers and coconuts (page-453). The ''Karga Shapna'' ritual, performed during the annual [[Navaratri]] festival, was another affirmation of the Rajput's reverence for his sword.

By the late 19th century, there was a shift from an emphasis on questions regarding the political relations amongst the Rajputs to a concern with kinship (Kasturi 2002:2). According to Harlan (1992:27), many Rajputs of Rajasthan are nostalgic about their past and keenly conscious of their genealogy, emphasizing a Rajput ethos that is martial in spirit, with a fierce pride in lineage and tradition. These are indeed the timeless values of the Rajput community, as the [[Encyclopedia Britannica]] (1911 edition) affirms in its resume of the contemporary social values of the community;

:''The tradition of common ancestry permits a poor Rajput yeoman to consider himself as well born as any powerful landholder of his clan, and superior to any high official of the professional classes. No race in India can boast of finer feats of arms or brighter deeds of chivalry, and they form one of the main recruiting fields for the Indian army of the day. They consider any occupation other than that of arms or government derogatory to their dignity, and consequently during the long period of peace which has followed the establishment of the British rule in India, they have been content to stay idle at home instead of taking up any of the other professions in which they might have come to the front.''

== Famous Rajput Personalities ==

see [[List of Rajputs]].

Common Rajput surnames include:

: Sulehri [[Thakur]], [[Tomar]] ([[Tanwar]]), Negi,[[chibb]] , Chauhan, [[Pokhariya]], Kirar, Raghav (Badbujar), Sisodia (Gahlaut or Rana), [[Rathore]] (Rathod), [[Pundir]], Parmar (Panwar), Jadaon, Kushwaha (Kachwaha), Bhatti (Bhati), Bais, Sengar, Chhaunkar, Jayas, [[Rawat]], Papola, Dhoni, [[Bisht]], Digari, Rautela, Sirari, Manral, [[Minhas]] (Manhas), Khurmi, Katoch Duggal, [[Parihar]], Soam, Shekhawat, Bhadoria, Rawal, [[Randhawa]], [[Sikarwar]], Pal, Baghel, Sankhla, Solanki, [[Chandela|Chandel]], Singh, Pawar, Kanwar etc.

== See also ==

* [[Battle of Rajasthan]]

* [[Charan]]

* [[Rajput clans]]

* [[Meo]]

* [[Karadiya Rajputs]]

* [[History of Rajputs]]

* [[List of Rajputs]]

* [[Rajoa]]

* [[Rajput Regiment]]

* [[Forward Castes]]

*religion

** [[Rajputs and Zoroastrianism]]

** [[Rajputs and Buddhism]]

** [[Muslim Rajputs]]

** [[Sikh Rajputs]]

{{Castes and Tribes of the Punjab}}

==Notes==

<references/>

== Further References==

<!--works referred to in the article body; general reading suggestions go to the next section-->

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Harlan

| Given1 = Lindsey

| Year = 1992

| Title = Religion and Rajput Women: The Ethic of Protection in Contemporary Narratives.

| Publisher = University of California Press

| ID = ISBN 0-520-07339-8

}} [http://content.cdlib.org/xtf/view?docId=ft2g5004kg&brand=ucpress].

*Kasturi, Malavika, '' Embattled Identities Rajput Lineages'', Oxford University Press (2002) ISBN 0-19-565787-X

*M K A Siddiqui (ed.), ''Marginal Muslim Communities In India'', Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi (2004)

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Tod

| Given1 = James

| Surname2 = Crooke

| Given2 = William (Editor)

| Year = 1994

| Title = Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan (2 vols.).

| Publisher = Trans-Atl

| ID = ISBN 81-7069-128-1

| Comment = The way Surjan Hada was befriended by Man Singh and Akbar and the conditions that Surjan laid down for this friendship are chronicled. Surjan's leaving [[Ranthambore]] and living in [[Banaras]] because of this friendship is also documented by [[James Tod]] in this book. Treachery against Rana Sanga is also described in this book. (Treachery against Rana Sanga: Annals of Mewar, Chapter IX Vol-I: Pages 243-246. Surjan Hada: Page 381-385 volume II).

}}.

*W.W. Hunter, ''The Indian empire, its people, history and products.'' First published: London, Trubner & Co., Ludgate Hill, 1886. ISBN 81-206-1581-6.{{1911}}

*[[Dasharatha Sharma]] ''Rajasthan through the Ages'' a comprehensive and authentic history of Rajasthan, prepared under the orders of the Government of Rajasthan. First published 1966 by Rajasthan Archives.

==Further reading==

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

<div class="references-small">

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Beck

| Given1 = Dr. Sanderson

| Year = 2004

| Title = India & Southeast Asia to 1875.

| Publisher = World Peace Communications

| ID = ISBN 0-9762210-0-4

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Bhati

| Given1 = Hari Simha

| Year = 2002

| Title = Annals of Jaisalmer: a pre-medieval history.

| Publisher = Kavi Prakashan

| ID = ASIN B0000CPJC0

| Comment = Very detailed description of Bhatti clan of Rajputs. Contains details on the siege of Jaisalmer and how proudly Jaisalmer was defended by Bhattis for eight consecutive years.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Bhati

| Given1 = Dr. Narayan Singh

| Year = 1991

| Title = Maharaja Mansingh: the mystic monarch of Marwar.

| Publisher = Maharaja Man Singh Pustak Prakash, Jodhpur

| ID =

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Bhatnagar

| Given1 = Professor V.S.

| Year =

| Title = Essays on Bardic literature

| Publisher =

| ID =

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Choudhury

| Given1 = Bani Roy

| Year = 2nd Ed. 1977

| Title = Folk tales of Rajasthan.

| Publisher = Sterling Publishers

| ID = ASIN B0007ANEHY

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Dua

| Given1 = Shyam

| Year = 2004

| Title = The luminous life of Maharana Pratap.

| Publisher =

| ID = ISBN 81-7573-832-4

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Heinemann

| Given1 = S O

| Year = 1990

| Title = Poems of Mewar.

| Publisher = Vintage Books

| ID = ISBN 81-85326-40-1

| Comment = First sack of Chittor. Rani Padmini and Rawal Ratan Singh. Bravery of Gora, Badal. (Chapter 2: Pages 11-39).

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Hunter

| Given1 = W.W.

| Year = 1886

| Title = The Indian Empire, Its People, History and Products.

| Publisher = London: Trubner & Co, Ludgate Hill, 1886

| ID = ISBN 81-206-1581-6

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Joshi

| Given1 = Dr. Sanjay

| Year = 2004

| Title = Unveiling Ajitsingh's Sanskrit biography : issues in Marwar history and Sanskrit poetics.

| Publisher = Books Treasure, Jodhpur

| ID = ISBN 81-900422-1-1

| Comment = A very good biography of Maharaja Ajit Singh [[Rathore]] of Jodhpur, son of Maharaja Jaswant Singh [[Rathore]].

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Kadam

| Given1 = Vasant S

| Year = 1993

| Title = Maratha confederacy : a study in its origin and development.

| Publisher = Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

| ID = ISBN 81-215-0570-2

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Khan

| Given1 = Rana Muhammad Sarwar

| Year = 2005

| Title = The Rajputs: History, Clans, Culture and Nobility

| Publisher = Eastern Book Corporation

| ID =

| Comment = 2 Vols.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Mathur

| Given1 = Professor G.L.

| Year = 2004

| Title = Folklore of Rajasthan.

| Publisher = Publisher Rajasthani Granthagar, Sojati Gate, Jodhpur

| ID =

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Mathur

| Given1 = Dr. L.P

| Year = 2004

| Title = War strategy of Maharana Pratap, its evolution and implementation.

| Publisher = Publication Scheme, Ganga Mandir, Jaipur-1

| ID = ISBN 81-8182-016-9

| Comment = Maharana Pratap's war strategy is discussed in detail.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Nagar

| Given1 = Dr. (Kr.) Mahendra Singh

| Year = 2004

| Title = The genealogical survey : Royal house of Marwar and other states.

| Publisher = Maharaja Man Singh Pustak Prakash, Jodhpur

| ID =

| Comment = Lineage of Rathore rulers is provided starting with Rao Sheoji.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Ranade

| Given1 = M G

| Year = 1962

| Title = Rise of the Maratha power.

| Publisher =

| ID = ISBN 1-135-40336-8

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Rathore

| Given1 = Professor L.S

| Year = 1991

| Title = Maharana Hammir of [[Mewar]]: Chittor's lost freedom restored.

| Publisher = The Thar Bliss Publishing House, Jodhpur 342 001

| ID =

| Comment = Life of Maharana Hammir and his campaigns to free chittor. His wars with Muhammad Tughlaq.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Rathore

| Given1 = Dr. L.S Rathore

| Year = 1990

| Title = The glory of Ranthambhor.

| Publisher = Jodhpur university press, Jodhpur (India)

| ID =

| Comment = Detailed description of wars between Hammir Dev Chauhan and Khilji.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Rathore

| Given1 = Dr. L.S

| Year = 1988

| Title = The johur of Padmini : the saga of Chittor's deathless heroine.

| Publisher = Thar Bliss Publishing House, Jaipur

| ID =

| Comment = Description of Padmini's Jauhar, Gora and Badal's bravery, Allauddin's treachery against Rana Ratan Singh.

}}.

</div>

{{col-2}}

<div class="references-small">

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Sarada

| Given1 = Har Bilas

| Year = First Ed 1917. Reprint 2003.

| Title = Maharana Kumbha: sovereign, soldier, scholar.

| Publisher = Rupa Co. Ansari Road Daryaganj, New Delhi 110 002

| ID = ISBN 81-291-0033-9

| Comment = Detailed description of Maharana Kumbha's life. His victory over sultans of Malwa and Gujarat (Chapter 6: Pages 37-43. Chapter 10: Pages 65-80)

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Saran

| Given1 = Richard

| Year =

| Title = The Mertiyo Rathors of Merto, Rajasthan (2 vols.).

| Publisher = Series#:51; Michigan Papers on South and Southeast Asia : University of Michigan Press

| ID = ISBN 0-89148-085-4

| Comment = This book describes the battle of Sammel between Maldev's generals and Sher Shah Suri. (Volume 1. Page 163-169)

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Sharma

| Given1 = Professor Dashratha

| Year = Second ed 1975, Reprint 2002

| Title = Early Chauhan dynasties: a study of Chauhan political history, Chauhan political institution, and life in the Chauhan dominions, from 800 to 1316 A.D.

| Publisher = Books Treasure, Sojati Gate, Jodhpur

| ID =

| Comment = Wars between Prithviraj Chauhan and Ghori are described in great detail by Professor Dashrath Sharma in this book. (Page 90-100)

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Sharma

| Given1 = G.N.

| Surname2 = Mathur

| Given2 = M.N.

| Year = 2001

| Title = Maharana Pratap & his times.

| Publisher =

| ID =

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Sharma

| Given1 = Dr. Sri Ram

| Year = 2002

| Title = Maharana Pratap : a biography.

| Publisher = Hope India Publications.

| ID = ISBN 81-7871-003-X

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Singh

| Given1 = Kesri

| Year = 2002

| Title = Maharana Pratap, the hero of Haldighati.

| Publisher = Books Treasure, Jodhpur

| ID =

| Comment = A very detailed description of the battle of Haldighati. Which clans fought along with Maharana and in what order various Rajputs and Mughals fell. It also describes Maharana's personal duels and how his life was saved by his own estranged brother Shakti Singh who was actually fighting against the Maharana. (Chapter 1, Page 8-42).

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Singh

| Given1 = Dhananajaya

| Year = 1994

| Title = The house of Marwar.

| Publisher = Lotus Collection, Roli Books, New Delhi

| ID = ISBN 81-7436-002-6

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Sinh

| Given1 = Raghubir

| Year = 1999

| Title = Durgadas Rathor : [national biography].

| Publisher = Lotus Collection, Roli Books, New Delhi

| ID = ISBN 81-7056-051-9

| Comment = Life history of DurgaDas Rathore and his help in getting Ajit Singh out of Delhi and then leading the Rajput rebellion against Aurangzeb while Ajit was still an infant.

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Sinh

| Given1 = Raghubir

| Year = 1989

| Title = Studies on Maratha & Rajput history

| Publisher = Research Publishers, Merti Gate, Jodhpur 342 002

| ID = ISBN 81-85310-00-9

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Somani

| Given1 = Ram Vallabh

| Year = 1999

| Title = Maharana Kumbha and his times: a glorious Hindu king.

| Publisher = Jaipur Publishing House, S.M.S Highway , Jaipur-3

| ID =

| Comment = Life of Maharana Kumbha of [[Mewar]].

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Thakur

| Given1 = Upendra

| Year = 1974

| Title = Some aspects of Ancient India History and culture

| Publisher =

| ID =

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Tiwari

| Given1 = Vinod

| Year = 2005

| Title = Maharana Pratapa.

| Publisher = Manoj Publications, Delhi 110084

| ID = ISBN 81-8133-591-0

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Tod

| Given1 = James

| Year = 1996

| Title = Rajput tales: adapted and abridged from Tod's Annals and antiquities of Rajasthan.

| Publisher = Cosmo Publications, Delhi, India

| ID = ISBN 81-7020-753-3

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Ujjwal

| Given1 = Kailash Dan (Editor)

| Surname1 = Singh (IAS)

| Given1 = Pushpendra Singh (Editor)

| Year = 1999

| Title = [[Rathore|Rathaudam]] ri khyata.

| Publisher = Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur

| ID =

| Comment = Written records of history of House of [[Marwar]].

}}.

*{{Harvard reference

| Surname1 = Warder

| Given1 = A K

| Year = 1972

| Title = An Introduction to Indian Historiography

| Publisher =

| ID =

}}.

</div>

{{col-end}}

==External links==

*The Historic Mandore of the Pratihara (Parihar) [http://www.justicekansingh.org/the_mandore.htm]

* [http://www.bartleby.com/65/ra/Rajputs.html Rajputs] [[Columbia Encyclopedia]], Sixth Edition; 2005

* [http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/PYR_RAY/RAJPUT.html Rajput] [[1911 Encyclopedia Britannica|Encyclopedia Britannica]]; 1911

* [http://www.Rajputs.org.uk/home.html British Association of Rajputs]

* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rajputworld Yahoo Group of Rajput World]

* [http://www.rajputindia.com/ RajputIndia.com]

* [http://www.aqibraja.co.uk Rajputs in Rajoa, Dadyal]

* [http://www.mewarindia.com/ency/raja.html The Mewar Encyclopedia]

* [http://heritagehotels.com/ektharaja/introduction.htm#intro Ek Tha Raja]

* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/kotah.htm Kota Chauhan Clan]

* [http://www.maharajajodhpur.com/hh/hh_main.htm Jodhpur Rathore Clan]

* [http://www.rajputindia.com/rajputs Origin of Rajputs]

* [http://www.rajputindia.com/rajputs Rajput Vansh and Clans]

* [http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/r/rewah.html Rewa Baghel Clan]

* [http://www.smithsonianmagazine.com/issues/2004/june/raja.php?page=2 Marwari Horse]

* [http://www.maheronline.org/ Maheronline a resource for Maher community worldwide]

* [http://mairrajputs.tripod.com/index.html The Mair Rajputs of Punjab]

* [http://www.sikhrajput.com "Sikh Rajputs" in Punjab and Haryana]

* [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1495063.cms "The Times of India" (Newspaper) - India's 'Rajput diplomacy' in Nepal]

* [http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/main.html Indian Princely States]

* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/salute.htm The Salute States]

* [http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr98/fe1098/f1510981.html Vallabh Bhai Integrated states]

[[Category:Social groups of India]]

[[Category:Social groups of Rajasthan]]

[[Category:Ruling Hindu clans]]

[[Category:Kshatriya]]

[[Category:Indo-Aryan peoples]]

[[Category:Warriors]]

[[Category:Military history of India]]

[[Category:Demographic history of India]]

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[[hi:राजपूत]]

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[[ur:راجپوت]]