History of Rajasthan |
 |
 Historical
traditions are that Rajputs, Nath, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Gujars,
Meenas and some other tribes made a great contribution in building
the state of Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties
to protect their culture and the land. Millions of them were
martyred for this land. 'The Hinduan Suraj' title to Udaipur
was due to Bhils. Jats had been fighting since beginning. Gujars
had been exterminated in Bhinmal and Ajmer areas fighting with
the invaders. Bhils once ruled Kota and Bundi. Gujars were sardars
in Alwar, Jodhpur and Ajmer areas. Meenas were ruler of Dhundhar.
The earlier contributions of warriors and protectors of the
land Jats, Bhils, Gujars and Meenas were neglected and lost
in history.
Rajasthan includes most of Rajputana, comprised of a number of Rajput kingdoms as well as Jat kingdoms and a Muslim kingdom. The Jats were rulers in Bharatpur and Dholpur. Tonk was ruled by a Muslim Nawab. Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, and Jaipur were some of the main Rajput states. Rajput families rose to prominence in the 6th century CE. The Rajputs resisted the Muslim incursions into India, although a number of Rajput kingdoms eventually became subservient to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire during those empires' peak of expansion.
Mewar led others in resistance to Muslim rule: Rana Sanga fought the Battle of Khanua against Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire; and Maharana Pratap Singh resisted Akbar in Haldighati. Other rulers like Raja Maan Singh of Amber were trusted allies. As the Mughal Empire weakened, the Rajputs reasserted their independence. With the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Rajputana came under attack from the Marathas and Pindaris, and the Maratha general Scindia captured Ajmer. The Rajput kings concluded treaties with the British in the early 19th century, accepting British sovereignty in return for local autonomy and protection from the Marathas. Following the Mughal tradition and more importantly due to its strategic location Ajmer became a province of British India, while the autonomous Rajput states, the Muslim state (Tonk]), and the Jat states (Bharatpur and Dholpur) were organized into the Rajputana Agency.
 Marwaris
from Rajasthan, the influential business community from the
Rajasthan (Originally from Marwar thus called Marwari), have
played leading roles in the development of Rajasthan. The Marwaris
are controlling the economy of India. About 80 percent of big
industrial houses are managed by Marwaris. India's richest industrialists
of the century, such as the Birlas, are Marwaris. Their major
contribution to Rajasthan is in the field of education. The
Marwaris prospered until the beginning of the 19th century,
because of the caravan routes that crossed the area to reach
the ports of Gujarat. But from 1820 onwards, many left their
families behind and migrated to Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras,
which were gaining importance as main trade centers. There they
had great financial success. The descendants of these rich merchants
have permanently settled down in the towns where their ancestors
immigrated. Between 1830 and 1930, they erected buildings in
their homeland, Rajasthan, as evidence of their success. As
the ultimate symbol of their opulence, the Marwaris commissioned
artists to paint those buildings. Marwaris from Rajasthan have
also played a leading role in Indian Independence Movement.
They provided financial help in running the freedom movement.
The Marwaris and Rajasthan's formerly independent kingdoms created a rich architectural and cultural heritage, seen today in their numerous forts and palaces (Mahals and Havelis) which are enriched by features of Muslim and Jain architecture. The development of the frescos in Rajasthan is linked with the history of the Marwaris.
|
|
|
|
