History of Rajasthan
The earliest inhabitants of Rajasthan belonged to the Great Harappan Civilization. This area saw the arrival of the horse riding Aryans from central Asia in about 2000 BC. The Mauryan dynasty-one of the first dynasties to rule over large parts of India controlled this area in about 400 AD and ruled the state . The history of Rajasthan can be broadly divided into four periods:
Ancient Period upto 1200 A.D: Rajasthan was under the control of predecessor’s of Rajput rulers since 700 A.D. Prior to it Rajasthan was a union of several republics which were mainly under the control of Mauryan empires. The other dynasties that dominated their control over Rajasthan during that period were Malavas, Arjunyas, Yaudhyas, Kushans, Saka Satraps, Guptas and Hunas.
The rajput successors succeeded the control over Rajasthan during the period from eighth to twelfth century A.D. The Pratihar clans of Rajput rulers had their dominance not only on Rajasthan but also in northern parts of India during 750 to 1000 A.D. After decline of Pratihar Rajput rulers the fight for becoming the supreme authority between Chalukyas, Parmars and Chauhans existed during 1000 to 1200 A.D.
Medieval Period 1201 – 1707: Taking the advantage of struggle between the rajput rulers for their supremacy the muslim rulers seated in Delhi started interfering in politics of Rajasthan and by 1200 A.D Rajasthan totally came under the control of Muslim rulers. The muslim rulers had mainly dominated the states of nagaur and ajmer with this the control of Ranthambhor was also under their dominance. The state of Mewar was recognized as the most powerful state during that period.
Modern Period, 1707 – 1947: Struggle for becoming the supreme power between different rulers never laid Rajasthan to become a politically united region. After getting throne of India by Mughal empire, Akbar tried to unite Rajasthan as united province. With starting of decline in the rule of Mughal empire in 1707 A.D the political unification of Rajasthan also distorted. With the decline of Mughal empire, the Maratha’s upholded their control over Rajasthan and occupied the province of Ajmer. With the beginning of 19th century the Pindari rulers started their onslaught for supremacy.
These fights between the different rulers in Rajasthan benefited the British Government to take an advantage by signing the treaties of alliances with the Rajput rulers and thus taking their control indirectly from their hands. This laid down the stone of British control over Rajasthan.
Post Independence Period: After Rajasthan came under the control of British rule it was called as Rajputana state comprising of 19 provinces, and two chiefships of Lava and Kushalgarh and the territories of Ajmer and Merwara controlled by the British government. Rajasthan state was mixture of various states with different administrative set up located in each state.
Formation of present Rajasthan has passed through various stages. After independence in 1947 huge efforts were done by the government for uniting the divided states of Rajasthan. The process of integration that started from March 17, 1948 lasted till November 1, 1956. The then 19 provinces of Rajasthan at the time of independence have now become a united state comprising 33 districts (including the newly formed district of Pratapgarh) in the state. The name from Rajputana has now changed and recognized as Rajasthan.