The kingdoms of erstwhile Rajputana were perpetually
locked in armed conflict with their neighbors,
a fact that makes the saga of Rajasthan a story
of bloodshed as much as heroism and sacrifice.
Many of these legends have come to us in the form
of ballads sung by folk singers or in the accounts
of bards and court poets. Many more find mention
in history.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and
10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon
with in medieval India. Passionately attached
to their land, family and honor, the Rajputs treated
war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric
code of conduct. Myths and legends of their velour,
gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There
are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj
Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader
Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191),
although he died on the same battlefield in the
following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar,
who defiantly withstood the might of the Mughals,
and continued to make raids on them even after
his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar
Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal
rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most
of the leading Rajput clans finally married into
Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct
State service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly
at the behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal
emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and
expand his empire because of his close ties with
the proud Rajputs, who made formidable enemies,
but steadfast and loyal friends. |
