The Rajputs

Origin and Development:

• Rajput is from the Sanskrit word Raja-Putra (son of a king).The word is found in ancient texts, including the Vedas ,Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• To differentiate royal warriors from other Kshatriyas the word Rajputra was used
• A number of Kingdoms were established by the Rajputs in North India after Harshavardana.
• Their Rule continued till establishment of Muslim Rule.
• The Hindushahis, the Chauhans,the Pratiharas,Paramaras, Senas, Palas etc.
• Chandbaradai Mentioned that they were Agnikula Kshatriyas in his 'Prithviraj Raso'. 

Fall of The Rajputs:

• The invasion of Mahmood Ghazni started with defeat of Jayapala, the Shahi ruler of Punjab.
• The invasion of Mahmood Ghori started with defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan, Chauhan Kingdom was located to south of the river Sutlez.
• Thus Ghori could reach Delhi and become its ruler.
• The Rajputs were never uniited among themselves to give a common front to the foreign invader. 
• Gradually, Rajput kingdoms fell into the hands of the Turks.

Culture and Arts:

• The Rajputs were Hindu rulers, but Buddhism in Bengal and Bihar and Jainism in Bihar flourished. 
• Casteism was deep rooted int he society.
• Polygamy(More wives).
• Killing of Female child originated
• Kalhana's Rajatarangini was considered a historical work
• The Rajput temples at Konark, Puri, Bhuvaneswar and Khajuraho were very famous.
• The double-edged scimitar known as the Khanda was a popular weapon among the Rajputs.