History of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a rich and colourful history that makes it one of the most admired tourist destinations in India. The home of the heroic Rajputs known for their bravery and loyalty, Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back to the early historical period.

Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture which dates to about 1000 BC. In the period from 3000-500BC this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics of Virat also speak of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer). The first Aryan settlement here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The influence of Jainism and Buddhism also spread to this region. It witnessed the rule of the Magadha, Kushanas and the Guptas, during which it was divided into Mahajanapadas and Janapadas. Rajasthan formed part of the Mauryan Empire in about 130-150AD and the Guptas ruled it in the 4th century.

From about 640AD the Gujars, Pratiharas, Chauhans, Gahlots etc established their independent Kingdoms. Internal rivalry between the Rajput Kingdoms led to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms which resisted the supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule declined by about 1707AD and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were subdued by the British who disintegrated many of its areas. After independence Rajasthan was organised into a state in 1956.