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Rajputs (Medieval Indian History) Notes - Coggle Diagram
Rajputs (Medieval Indian History) Notes
Clans and Important Rulers
Important Rulers
Prithviraj III - Famous for defeating Mohammad Ghori in first battle of Tarain. Was killed in second battle.
Anangapala Tomara - Famous king of Tamara dynasty, who established Delhi. He also issued coins.
Bhoja - Most popular ruler of Paramara dynasty. Extended his empire from Chittor (in north) to upper Konkan (in south).
Clans
There are four main Rajput clans: Pratiharas, Chauhans of Ajmer, Chandellas of Bundlekhand, and Paramars of Malwa
There were about 36 overall Rajput clans, including Tomaras of Delhi, the Solankis, etc.
Characteristics and Religion
Known to be of royalty (a downside being egoism), having loyalty and being extremely brave.
Were involved in many conflicts and battles, and constantly fought with each other.
They were mostly Hindu, though some were also Jains.
Were valiant and aggressive. Considered it their 'dharma' to be good fighters.
Took pride in their lineage and roots. Valued qualities and ideals of very high fundamentals.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga were famous deities for Rajputs. During Mughal invasion, they were main defenders of Hinduism.
Condition of Women
Honour of women was a matter of dignity, but women lived in a handicapped society. Laws for women were very stingy.
Rajput women in lower classes were denied right to study the Vedhas.
Women of higher families received higher education. Were supposed to follow high ideals.
Early marriage was extremely common, and many girls had to marry as children.
Women were supposed to follow 'sati' - sacrifice themselves with the dead bodies of their husbands.
Art and Culture
Architecture
Rajputs spent great amount of money on building forts, palaces and temples. These were primarily to show off wealth and valour.
Rajputs were also known for building irrigation canals, dams, reservoirs, considered for their precision and high quality.
Foundations of many cities were laid down by Rajput kings. These cities were decorated with beautiful palaces and forts. They are known to be Heritage Cities.
Many significant temples were built during period of Rajputs rule. Examples include Lingaraja temple, Jagannath temple, Sun temple.
Victory tower at the fort of Chittor, Lake palace of Udaipur, Hama Mahal, Astronomical Observatory, are examples of astonishing architecture.
Paintings
Rajput works of art can be found to originate from two schools - the Rajasthani and Pahari schools of painting.
Subjects of the artwork were heavily affected by the Bhakti religion. They tended to portray scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
System of both the schools is the same. Both have made utilisation of brilliant shades to explain scenes of basic individuals.
Education and Science
During Rajput rule, only Brahmans and some upper class sections were entitled to education.
Mainly Saiva learning centres flourished in Kashmir. A famous centre for higher learning was Nalanda in Bihar.
Religion and philosophy were the two most popular subjects of study and discussion.
Overall growth of knowledge slowed down due to rigidity in society, and confinement to traditional philosophy. Science did not get the scope to develop.
Social Condition
Wars, conquests and victories were dominating feature in Rajput culture and society. The Rajputs showed of their glory through number of servants under them.
Society suffered due to disparity in standard of living. Rajput time involved caste and creed systems.
Upper class relished in privileges (accumulation of wealth). They were entitled to luxury and splendour.
Peasants were burdened with working the land. Many taxes were imposed on them, taken by the feudal lord.
Lower class suffered animosities of feudal lords. Rajputs as a caste were more involved in image building and supreme egos, making the caste system more prominent.
Most of the workers were weavers, fishermen, barbers, etc. as well as tribals (who were treated ruthlessly by owners).