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History
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and
10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon
with medieval India. Passionately attached to their
land, family and honour, the Rajputs treated war as a
sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of conduct.
Myths and legends of their valour, 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 Mughal, and continued to raid
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, the men who made
formidable enemies and also steadfast and loyal friends. |
