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Rajasthan History
The history of India dates back to almost five thousand years, and Rajasthan plays a crucial role, especially in terms of the development of Indian culture. The heroic past of Rajasthan with its flamboyant splatter of sparkling hues against the backdrop of the desert and the clarity of its dry and sandy scope, the minuscule sophistication of its small villages and immaculately preserved forts and palaces resuscitate the chronicles of the yore. Its grand, chic forts balanced on craggy hills still narrate the tales of the heroism of its men, the steadfast forfeit of its women and the gallant old world manners of all.The Rajputs, who were the predominant rulers of Rajasthan, rose into prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries. Fervently attached to their land, family and honor, the Rajputs reckoned with medieval India, treated war as a sport, and adhered to an intense chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends corresponding to their heroism, bravery and forfeit are multitude. The Rajputs had many heroes, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought courageously against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the famous Battle of Tarain (1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the following year.
Another great Rajput ruler was Rana Pratap of Mewar, who impudently stood against the might of the Mughals, and continued to raid on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the reigns of opposition against the Mughal rule. Most of the important rulers of the Rajput clan finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and entered into direct State service of the Mughal Empire. This took place primarily at the command of the judicious, prudent and far-sighted Mughal emperor, Akbar. Akbar was able to consolidate and expand his empire owing to his close ties with the proud Rajputs, the men who made formidable enemies and also steadfast and loyal friends. However, Rana Pratap was the lone exception in this regard.
At the time of India’s independence on 15th august 1947, Rajasthan was known Rajputana (country of Rajputs). It comprised of 18 princely states, two chieftains and a British administered province of Ajmer-Merwara besides a few territories beyond its main boundaries.
The formation of Rajasthan as defined today, took seven important stages. In March 1948 the Matsya Union comprising of Alwar, Bharatpur,
Dholpur and Karauli was formed. Also in March 1948, Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Kota, Pratapgarh, Shahpura and Tonk joined the Indian Union and formed a part of Rajasthan. In April 1948, Udaipur joined the state and the Maharana of Udaipur was made Rajpramukh. Therefore in 1948 the merger of south and southeastern states was almost complete. Still retaining their independence from India were Jaipur and the desert kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. From the point of view of security, it was imperative to the new Indian Union to ensure that the desert kingdoms were integrated into the new nation. The princes finally agreed to sign the Instrument of Accession, and the kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur were merged in March 1949. This time the Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh II was made the Rajpramukh of the state and Jaipur became its capital. Later in 1949, the United State of Matsya, comprising of the former kingdoms of Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli and Dholpur, was incorporated into Rajasthan. On 26 January 1950, 18 states of united Rajasthan merged with Sirohi to join the state leaving Abu and Dilwara to remain a part of Greater Bombay and now Gujarat. In November 1956 under the State Re-organisation Act, 1956 the erstwhile part 'C' State of Ajmer, Abu Road Taluka, former part of princely State Sirohi (which were merged in former Bombay), State and Sunel Tappa region of the former Madhya Bharat merged with Rajasthan and Sirohi sub district of Jhalawar was transferred to Madhya Pradesh, thus giving the existing boundary Rajasthan. Today with further re-organization of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, Rajasthan has become the largest state of the Indian Republic.
The princes of the former kingdoms were constitutionally granted handsome remuneration in the form of privy purses and privileges to assist them in the discharge of their financial obligations. In 1970, Indira Gandhi, who was then the Prime Minister of India, commenced under-takings to discontinue the privy purses, which were abolished in 1971. Many of the former princes still continue to use the title of Maharaja but the title has little else power other than status symbol. Many of the Maharajas still hold their palaces and have converted them into profitable hotel while some have made good in politics. The democratically elected Government runs the state with a Chief Minister as its executive head and the Governor as the head of the state.
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