Medieval Chapters

1. Early Medieval Period2. North India (Rajputana Period)3. South India (Cholas and Others)4. Sultanate Period I5. The Delhi Sultanate II6. Vijayanagar and Other Kingdoms7. Religious Movements (Medieval)8. Bhakti Movement9. Sufi Movement10. Mughal Period11. Maratha State and Maratha Confederacy12. The Advent of the Europeans

North India: Rajputana Period (750–1200 AD)

“The Rajput period was marked by valor, warfare, chivalry, and the rise of several powerful clans in Northern India.”

Origin of Rajputs

Rajputs were warrior clans that emerged as rulers in North and Central India. Their origin is traced to:

  • Agnikula theory: Four Rajput clans—Chauhans, Solankis, Parmaras, and Pratiharas—emerged from a fire ritual at Mount Abu.
  • Foreign origin theory: Some believe Rajputs descended from Huns and other Central Asian tribes who Indianized over time.

Major Rajput Dynasties

  • Pratiharas: Ruled over western and northern India; resisted Arab invasions.
  • Chauhans: Ruled over Ajmer and Delhi. Prithviraj Chauhan was the last prominent ruler.
  • Paramaras: Based in Malwa region; Bhoja was a famous king and scholar.
  • Solankis (Chalukyas of Gujarat): Ruled western India; built the Sun Temple at Modhera.
  • Tomars: Ruled Delhi before being overthrown by Chauhans.

Important Battles

  • First Battle of Tarain (1191): Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori.
  • Second Battle of Tarain (1192): Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan — paved the way for Islamic rule in North India.

Society and Culture

  • Society was feudal and hierarchical.
  • Women practiced Jauhar and Purdah.
  • Promotion of Hinduism, especially Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
  • Temple architecture and Sanskrit literature flourished.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2021: Who won the second battle of Tarain?
  • → Muhammad Ghori
  • RRB JE 2019: Which Rajput dynasty ruled over Malwa region?
  • → Paramaras
  • HSSC 2018: The Sun Temple at Modhera was built by which dynasty?
  • → Solankis
  • SSC CHSL 2017: Name the Rajput king known for resisting Arab invasions?
  • → Nagabhata I (Pratiharas)
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Who was defeated in the Second Battle of Tarain?
  • → Prithviraj Chauhan
Did You Know? Prithviraj Chauhan is said to have defeated Muhammad Ghori 16 times but was finally defeated in the 17th attempt at Tarain in 1192.

Conclusion

The Rajputana period is remembered for bravery, honor, and resistance against foreign invasions. However, the lack of unity among Rajputs ultimately led to the establishment of Muslim rule in India after 1200 AD.

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