The Rajputs (from the Sanskrit rāja putra, son of a king) are a social group of northern India and Gujarat. In the Hindi and Gujarati languages, those belonging to the Kshattriya caste of Hindus are generally referred to as Rajputs The use of the term rājaputra, precursor to Rajput, is first found in the 7th century AD. Evidently, the use of the term Rajput originated in the areas that form the present-day states of Rajasthan (formerly named Rajputana) and Gujarat and spread only gradually to other Hindi-speaking areas; the Kshattriyas of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh still do not generally self-describe as rajputs. The association of this term with Rajasthan and Gujarat is definite; even in areas where the term is used widely, the people referred to as Rajputs tend to ascribe an origin in those areas to themselves. Rajput dynasties played a very prominent role in the history of northern India. Furthermore, the rajputs developed an ethos of warlike chivalry that served as the benchmark, in past centuries, for other Indian communities as they ascended to regional dominance. This muscular ethos did not preclude patronage of the arts: distinctive forms of painting and architecture developed under the aegis of rajput courts, and classical music found support. Thus, the rajputs have contributed directly and indirectly to many facets of the Indian crasis; a detailment of some of these should be of interest to historians, sociologists, political scientists and Indologists among others. Origins The traditional occupations of the Rajput are war and agriculture. As many scholars have pointed out, these areas lend themselves uniquely to the ingress of groups that were formerly not affiliated with the community that previously dominated those professions. The gradual accomodation of the new entrants into the social and family circle of the traditional community is the essential quid pro quo of the Sanskritization that the aspirant community essays. This phenomenon of gradual inclusion has indubitably obtained in the case of the Rajputs, with certain Jat and Maratha dynasties being among the most recent to venture the claim of affiliation with the Rajput community. In view of this, to seek a single and common, definitive origin for every present-day rajput is widely recognised as being an exercise in futility. However, we present both the traditional view and certain scholarly speculations made by researchers on the origin of the Rajputs. As Kshattriyas, the Rajputs regard themselves as being descended from the Vedic warrior class. Legend ascribe to the Rajputs an origin springing from certain Hindu deities; every rajput must eventually belong to one of three great lineages, being: the Agnivanshi lineage, claiming descent from Agni, the Hindu god of Fire the Suryavanshi lineage, claiming descent from Surya, the Hindu Sun-god; the Chandravanshi lineage, claiming descent from Chandra, the Hindu Moon-god; Agnivanshi Kshatriya: Padhiyar(Parihar),Chauhan,Solanki,Parmar,Vaghela Suryavanshi Kshatriya: Gohil,Zala/Rana,Rathod,Sisodiya,Chavda,Jethva,Vala,Vadher Chandravanshi Kshatriya: Jadeja,Chudasama,Raijada,Sarvaiya,Jadav,Yadav The origin of the Gurjars is uncertain. Many Gurjars claim descent from Suryavanshi Kshatriyas (Sun Dynasty) and connect themselves with the Hindu deity Rama. Historically, the Gurjars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the feet of the Sun-god (God Surya).Their copper-plate grants bear an emblem of the Sun and on their seals too, this symbol is depicted. Also the Gurjar title of honor is Mihir which means Sun. Ancient Sanskrit Poet Rajasekhara in his plays styled Gurjar rulers as Raghu-kula-tilaka (Ornament of the race of Raghu), Raghu-gramani (the leader of the Raghus)and so forth. In Ramayana, it is described that a war was fought among demons and gods.Gurjars fought against demons under the leadership of King Dasharatha. There is also references of gurjar widows in Yoga Vasistha, whose
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 03:36:07 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015