|
HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN (in a nut shell)
:. circa 2,500 - 4,000 B.C.
traces of a civilization - the Indus Valley civilization - at its height,
with ruins and remains found mainly in the North West areas of Rajasthan
:. circa 500 B.C.
birth of Mahavir - great exponent of Jainism.
Jainism, because of its anti-brahminical leanings gets the support of
those in the business community. It also gets a powerful backing from
ruling dynasties. Evidence of this religion is seen all over Rajasthan,
particularly in Mount Abu, Pushkar, Osian etc. and is still a widely
practiced religion all over India today.
:. 6th & 7th centuries A.D.
Formation of Rajput warrior clans 11th century:
Clans establish themselves as royal dynasties, conflicting with Muslim
invaders who come in from the north west.
:. 15th century
Vasco De Gama discovers a new sea route to Western India, the old land
route through Jaisalmer is soon to disappear, with the Portugese, and
later the British trading through newly estabilished sea ports.
:. Mid-16th century:
After a few bloody skirmishes, there is a clever move by the Mughal
emperor Akbar, who makes an alliance with Rajput rulers and invites
them and their armies to join the Mughal army. In return, the Rajputs are
guaranteed possession of their ancestral land, and are allowed to retain
their religion, customs and beliefs. Often there are arranged marriages
between Rajput princesses & Mughal royals. Mughal (Islamic) culture
influences the arts & architecture in Rajasthan.
:. 18th century
Too many maharajas, a profusion of wealth, and greed for more wealth,
leads to internal confusion among the Rajput royal families. To top it
all, the fierce Marathas from the Deccan plateau starting attacking the
Rajputs. Through all this, the erudite Maharaja Jai Singh founds the new
capital of Jaipur, builds the incredible Jantar Mantar observatory.
:. mid-19th century
the Rajput states, 19 in all, sign treaties of friendship with the British
(who knew a good thing coming when they saw one), and are now called
'Rajputana'.
:. 1947
Year of India's Independence, after which the 19 States are merged and
formed into a single unit called 'Rajasthan".
|
"standing goddess'
11th century A.D. sandstone statue, possibly from Rajasthan |