The
history of Rajasthan dates back to pre-historic times as one finds
settlements dating to this period in Rajasthan. Archaeological
excavations establish a relation with the Harappan culture dating back
to 1000 BC. Rajasthan has also had Paleolithic settlements as one finds
paintings in some of the areas of Rajasthan dating back to this period.
Then later the first Aryan settlement was also discovered here at
Dundhmer in modern day Dundhar. Ancient Hindu Scriptures like
Mahabharata and Ramayana make a reference to the holy city of Pushkar in
Rajasthan. Known as the land of Princes several dynasties have ruled
here and contributed to the development of Rajasthan. Rajasthan fell
under the empires of Magadha, Kushanas, Guptas and Mauryas. The
formation and development of Rajasthan is contributed to several tribes
like the Rajputs, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Nath, Gujars and Meenas. The Age of the Rajputs
Rajasthan today includes almost the entire Rajputana. According to Hindu mythology the Rajputs are the descendants of the ksatriyas or the warrior clan of Vedic India. The Gurjar Pratiharas were the earliest of Rajputs to rule Rajasthan since 640 AD. The rise of Rajputs in the 6th and 7th century as a formidable force paved the way for extensive development of Rajasthan. There were several Rajput clans like the Sisodias, Rathores, Chauhans, Kachhwahas and Bhatis who empowered Rajasthan considerably.
It was in the 9th and 10th century that the Rajputs rose to prominence and several chivalrous men laid their lives to protect their honor and land. In the 12th century the valiant Rajputs were the ones who fought fearlessly the Muslim invaders like Mohamed Ghori, whose prime interest was to loot and raid the wealth of India. In the battle of Tarain (1911) Prithviraj Chauhan fought valiantly and became a martyr while trying to save the honor of his land.
It was during the Mughal era that several Rajput states agreed to the supremacy of the Mughals and joined the Mughal court as important Ministers. It was Akbar the great Mughal Emperor who realized that the proud Rajputs are indispensable if one has to consolidate their rule in India as they are chivalrous warriors and excellent administrators. It was the great Maharana Pratap of Mewar who was too proud to forge an alliance with the Mughals and agree to their supremacy.
The Rajputs reasserted their power with the decline of the Mughals. However soon they came under attack from the Pindaris and the Marathas who rose to prominence in the 18th century. In the 19th Century the Rajputs maintained local autonomy while agreeing to British sovereignty as a whole. It was at independence of India that the erstwhile Rajput kingdoms and British provinces were merged to form the state of Rajasthan as it stands today.