Rajput

The origin of Rajputs is the subject of debate. The word ‘Rajput’ does not appear in Sanskrit literature or Indian history before the Seventh Century A.D. The Hindu or Buddhist dynasties such as the Mauryas, Sungas, Kanvas, Guptas, Maukharis and Vardhanas were not called Rajputs. Some of them were Kshatriyas, others Brahmanas, but the new ruling dynasties of the Seventh Century were known by a new name ‘the Rajputs’. Who were they and what was their origin? There are several theories about it.^[2]

Some Rajput clans are of tribal origin, Indian tribes, including Gonds and Bhars, who had martial blood, seized political power after the death of Harsha, when there was chaos in the country. Since they became rulers they began to call themselves Rajputs. Some of these clans are the Bundelas and the Chandelas of central India.^[3]

A few Rajput clans claim their descent from Hindu religious legends. Some of them call themselves ‘Agnikul Rajputs’. The origin of this theory is rather interesting. It is said that the famous saint Parashurama killed all the Kshatriyas in his anger and there was no one left to protect the Brahmanas. A new class of warriors was needed to save them. Hence a ‘Yag’ was performed at Mount Abu in Rajasthan, This went on for 40 days and out of the sacred fire lit there emerged four heroes to protect mankind from evil. Their descendants were called the Agnikul Rajputs. They are the Pratiharas (Pariharas), Parmars (Pawars), Solankis (Chalukyas) and Chauhans (Chahamanas).^[1]

Quite a number of Rajput clans trace their descent to Rama and Krishna. The descendants of Rama called themselves ‘Suryavanshi’ and those of Krishna ‘Chandravanshi’. It is difficult to believe this theory. Perhaps the bards and poets of Rajput kings gave them these high sounding titles because of their deeds of valour.Quite a number of Rajput clans trace their descent to Rama and Krishna. The descendants of Rama called themselves ‘Suryavanshi’ and those of Krishna ‘Chandravanshi’. It is difficult to believe this theory. Perhaps the bards and poets of Rajput kings gave them these high sounding titles because of their deeds of valour.^[4]

Some historians believe that the Rajputs were of mixed. The foreign tribes settled in India and married Indian women. Their offsprings were called the Rajputs. The last theory: is widely accepted.^[5]

According to John Keay, not until the Mughal period, which began in 1526 AD, did the word "Rajput" come to be used of a particular class or tribe.^[6]

Other writers, such as M. S. Naravane and V. P. Malik, believe that the term was not used to designate a particular tribe or social group until the 6th century AD, as there is no mention of the term in the historical record as pertaining to a social group prior to that time.^[7]

One theory espouses that with the collapse of the Gupta Empire from the late 6th century, the invading Hephthalites (White Huns) were probably integrated within the Indian society. Leaders and nobles from among the invaders were assimilated into the Kshatriya ritual rank in the Hindu varna system, while others who followed and supported them — such as the Ahirs, Gurjars and Jats - were ranked as Shudra. At the same time, some indigenous tribes were ranked as being of the "rajput" Kshatriya status, examples of which are the Bundela, Chandelas and Rathors.^[8] The Encyclopaedia Britannica notes that Rajputs actually vary greatly in status, from princely lineages, such as the Guhilot and Kachwaha, to simple cultivators.^[9]

According to V.A. Smith, Rajput is a mixed race. Rajputs have descended from the foreign invaders like Sakas, Kushans and Hunas. V.A. Smith states that Rajputs were born of various races and castes.^[10]

According to Harbans Singh Bhatia, It would appear that Brahmans, Bhars, Ahirs, Jats, Gujars, and Huns have all contributed to the Rajput clans.^[11]

• Rajputcommunity.in a site with hundreds of different post of Rajputs and their clans

Origin of Rajputs Archived 2011-08-22 at the Wayback Machine

• Rajput Vansh and Clans Archived 2011-08-22 at the Wayback Machine
• Rajputs Archived 2006-02-12 at the Wayback Machine Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition; 2005
• Rajput Archived 2007-10-23 at the Wayback Machine Encyclopedia Britannica; 1911
• Rajputs in Rajoa, Dadyal Archived 2008-02-09 at the Wayback Machine
• Ek Tha Raja Archived 2007-10-08 at the Wayback Machine
• Kota Chauhan Clan

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