History of Rajasthan

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Introduction to Rajasthan

A quick review of Rajasthan’s past reveals that it was the site of the Indus Valley Civilization’s last stages of development, which occurred thousands of years ago. In the early middle Ages, the Mughal Empire rose to power in the area thanks to agreements it formed with the local Rajput lords. When the British Empire was established in the 18th century, it put an end to the Mughal Rule. A key component of this strategy was forging alliances with the local princely kingdoms, which would eventually become an integral part of India after its independence.

Ancient History
Archaeological evidence from Bundi and Bhilwara, as well as other sources, places the birth of Rajasthan anywhere between 5,000 and 2,000 years ago. Along with a few areas in the Jaipur district and the state of Haryana, the old civilized past may also be traced to the Sikar and Jhunjhunu regions. Excavations at Kalibanga, in the northern Rajasthan area, have led to the recognition of many locations throughout Rajasthan as potential sites of Indus Valley civilization development.

Early Modern History
The conquests of Rajasthan by the Mughals mark the beginning of the modern era in the state. By besieging the Chittor province and conquering the ruler of Mewar in 1568, Mughal emperor Akbar extended his dominion into Rajputana in the 16th century.

The once-secure Ranthambore was also besieged at this period. Through matrimonial relationships and confidence, Akbar was able to further extend his power among the Rajput kings. To keep the ties with the Rajasthani rulers amicable, Akbar offered them prominent posts in his office when he married Jodha Bai, the ruler’s daughter. Nonetheless, he was always at odds with several Rajasthani kings, including Mewar and Marwar, who refused to acknowledge his dominance.
He was mortally wounded and ultimately vanquished at the hands of Akbar’s armies at the Haldighati fight. Both the art and architecture of Rajasthan bear the mark of the Mughal Empire.

Post Independence History
The modern-day state of Rajasthan evolved via seven distinct phases. Kota, Pratapgarh, Dungarpur, Kishangarh, Banswara, etc., were all once a part of Rajasthan until they merged in 1948. By 1949, all of Rajasthan’s other states had come to a consensus and were ready to join. To relieve themselves of their responsibilities, the princes of the old royal family were constitutionally awarded a substantial sum of money and several privileges in the form of privy purses.

The privy purses were abolished by Indira Gandhi in 1971, when she was prime minister of India, in 1970. A prestige symbol rather than a meaningful title, the term Maharaj was utilized by princes of yesteryear.
The state is governed by a democratically elected body. It has 33 districts, 222 towns, 105 subdivisions, over 38,000 distinct villages, and 241 tehsils.

Modern history
The city of Bharatpur was further expanded in 1707 by a conqueror from the Jat tribe. Under the leadership of Peshwa Baji Rao I of Pune, the Marathas had already captured a portion of Rajasthan by 1803.

Upon becoming subjects of the Maratha Empire, the majority of the Rajputs maintained their tribute payments to Pune. Until the British East India Company supplanted the Marathas as the foremost rulers, this continued to occur.

The majority of the Rajput kingdoms sided with the British when they began governing India in 1857. There were political and economic limitations, but Rajasthan was able to remain an autonomous state because of the Rajput-British association. After signing a contract, the nineteen Rajput kingdoms became known as Rajasthan while they were subject to British control.

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