Rajasthan: Place of Kings, Forts and Rich Culture

Introduction to Rajasthan

“Rajasthan” means the place of kings, and just by hearing its name, you must have realized that this state is rich and prosperous in terms of cultural wealth, devotion, and valor. Rajasthan is the largest state in India in terms of area (after the division of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). It is located in the northwestern part of the country.

The glorious tradition of bravery, courage, love for freedom, and patriotism emerges in the mind on hearing the name of Rajasthan. This state has been the workplace of heroes and famous sages who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This region boasts of valor stories, examples of bravery, and a huge heritage of folk arts.

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, majestic forts, palaces, and diverse geography. The word Rajasthan literally means “the land of kings”, and it has been home to many powerful dynasties and kingdoms throughout history. Rajasthan’s culture reflects the amalgamation of various ethnic groups, historical influences, and geographical conditions.

In this article, we will explore the history, folklore, and culture of Rajasthan and learn about its ancient and modern cities.

‘Rajasthan’ Word and Its History

This desert-dominated region has been called by different names from time to time. Maharishi Valmiki used the word “Marukantar” for this land. The earliest use of the word Rajasthan was in the Vasantgarh (Sirohi) inscription of “Rajasthaniyaditya” (inscribed in Vikram Samvat 682). After this, the word “Rajasthan” has also been used in the books “Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat” and “Rajrupak”.

The word Rajasthan is derived from the Sanskrit term “Rajaputra”, which means “son of a king” or “prince”. This term was used to refer to the Rajput clans that emerged in the region around the 6th century CE.

In the 6th century, Rajput rulers established separate princely states on this Rajasthani land and established their rule. Guhil of Mewar, Rathore of Marwar, Kachwaha of Dhundhar, and Chauhans of Ajmer were famous Rajput rulers in these princely states. Due to the predominance of Rajput states, this entire region came to be known as “Rajputana”.

The Rajputs were warriors and rulers who claimed descent from the ancient kshatriya or warrior class of Hindu society. They established many kingdoms and principalities in Rajasthan and neighboring areas and resisted the invasions of Muslim rulers from the 11th to the 16th centuries. The Rajputs are considered to be the founders of the distinctive culture and identity of Rajasthan.

The word “Rajputana” was first used by George Thomas in 1800 AD for the Rajasthani region. Colonel James Tod (Political Agent of the Rajput states of western and central India) called this region “Rāythan”, because at that time, in local colloquial and secular literature, the residence province of the kings was called “Rāythan”.

During the British period, this province was known as “Rajputana” or “Rajwada” and “Ajmer-Merwada” (Ajmer and surrounding areas).

Origin of the Word ‘Rajasthan’

The first use of the word “Rajasthan” for this geographical area was made by Colonel James Tod in his famous historical work “Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan”, published from London in 1829 on the history of Rajasthan (the book’s other name is Central and Western Rajput States of India).

After different nomenclature during the process of state reorganization after independence, finally on January 26, 1950, the name of this entire geographical region was formally accepted as “Rajasthan”, then the Ajmer-Merwada region was not included in it.

Popular Names of Various Princely States and Units of Rajasthan

Jangaldesh

“Jangladesh/Jangalpradesh” means the country of the forest.

Item	Value
Geographical Region	Northern Rajasthan
Establishment	4th – 25th century BC
Languages and Dialects	Mewari, Marwari, Jaipuri, and Malvi, etc.
Ruling Dynasty	Jaat (originated from Dhangar dynasty)

Jangaldesh (Rajasthan), also known as Jangalpradesh, was a historical state of northwest and northeast Rajasthan. Present-day Bikaner, Ganganagar, Anupgarh, and Hanumangarh districts were included in this region. It was a Jaat kingdom surrounded by Marwar and Jaisalmer regions in the south and the Ajmer-Merwara region in the east. The mention of this province is found in the Bhishmaparva of the Mahabharata.

Yoddheya

“Yoddheya” is derived from the word “Yoddha”, meaning warrior.

Item	Value
Geographical Region	Northern Rajasthan
Reign	5th century BCE – 4th century CE

Yoddheya or Yoddha (Yoddheya Ganarajya) was an ancient militant organization. It was part of the Maurya Empire and included Ganganagar, Anupgarh, and Hanumangarh districts of present-day Rajasthan. This was the name given to the region in the southeastern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Yoddhas, a warrior clan that claimed descent from Lord Rama. The Yoddhas were also known as the Suryavanshi Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Karauli.

Shoorsen

Item	Value
Ruler	Yaduvanshi
Reign	Around 600-700 BC

Shoorsen Janpad was located in Rajasthan, the northern part of Bharatvarsh, in ancient times. The northern part of Jaipur state was part of Madhyadesha, and the southern part was known as Sapaldaksha. The northern part of Alwar state was called Kurukshetra, and Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli states were included in Shursen country.

This region was probably named by Shatrughan after killing Lavanasura, the ruler of Mathurapuri (Mathura). Shatrughna named this region after his son, Shoorsen. King Shursen established a new city in place of old Mathura, which is described in the Uttarakand of the Valmiki Ramayana. The Mahabharata mentions the victory of Sahdev over the Shursen district.

In the Vishnu Purana, the inhabitants of Shursen are probably called Shurs, and they are mentioned after the Abhiras.

This was the name given to the region in the eastern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Shoorsenas, a clan that claimed descent from Lord Krishna. The Shoorsenas were also known as the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Jaipur.

Girwa

This was the name given to the region in the southern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Guhilas, a clan that claimed descent from the fire god Agni. The Guhilas were also known as the Sisodia Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Mewar, which was the most powerful and prestigious Rajput kingdom. The capital of Mewar was Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes.

Godwad

Item	Value
Ruler	Majority of Rajput rulers
Geographical Region	Extends from Aravalli mountain to Jalore-Sirohi in the southeast and southwest.

The Rajput rulers who ruled the Godwad Region:

Clan	Ruling Kings
Rathore	Medtiya, Jaitmalot, Champawat, Jodha, Koompawat, Sindhal, Bala, Roopawat, Ridmatol, Vairawat, and Udawat
Chouhan	Sanchaura, Sonigara, Kheenchee, Balecha, and Madrecha
Kachhwaha	Rajawat and Shekhawat
Sisodiya	Ranawat, Shaktawat, Keetawat, Mangalia, and Bhakharot
Solanki	Raankash, etc.

Sanderao is called the “Gateway” of Godwad. It includes Pali District, Pratapgarh Sadri, Bali Rajasthan, Rani Rajasthan, Desuri, and Sumerpur tehsil, which were earlier under the control of the Mewar region. Later, King Vijay Singh of Marwad captured it during the civil war in Mewad.

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Ahichhatrapur

The ancient or old name of present-day Nagaur was “Ahichhatrapur”, meaning the area around Nagaur was once known as Ahichhatrapur. This was the name given to the region in the northern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Ahirs, a pastoral and cattle-rearing community. The Ahirs were also known as the Chauhan Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Ajmer, which was the first Rajput kingdom to be established in Rajasthan.

Ajmer was also the seat of the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose shrine attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims in India.

Raath

The area of Alwar district bordering Haryana was later known as “Raath”. Some people of Haryana use the word “Rathee” in their surname because of this area. There is also a popular breed of cows here known as “Rathee”.

There is a famous proverb about Raath:
“ना राठ नवै, ना राठ मनै”
This means, “Raath neither bows down by bowing down nor convinces by requesting. Raath simply does as per its wish.”

Uparmal

This was the name given to the region in the western part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Uparmals, a clan that claimed descent from the sage Vashishta. The Uparmals were also known as the Kachwaha Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Amber, which later became Jaipur.

Amber is famous for its hilltop fort and palace, which are examples of Rajput architecture. The Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.

The plateau part of Bhilwara and Chittorgarh, which was known as the stone of “Uparmal” in ancient times, is also called “Pathaar” or “Uparmal Plateau”. It is a broad and rocky terrain, including Kota-Bundi. The tributaries of the Chambal River, Kali Sindh, and Parvati River form a triangular alluvial valley of 210 meters to 275 meters in Kota, and mostly black soil is found in this region.

Kanthal/Devaliya

This was the name given to the region in the central part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Kanthals, a clan that claimed descent from the serpent god Vasuki. The Kanthals were also known as the Deora Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Sirohi, which was also known as Devaliya.

Sirohi is famous for its temples and forts, which are examples of Jain and Hindu architecture. Pratapgarh and the surrounding area was known as Kanthal or Devaliya. In ancient times, it was known as “Kanthal-Raj”. The literal meaning of “Kanthal” is “Kantha-Pradesh” or the land of the coast.

Shekhavati

This was the name given to the region in the northeastern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Shekhawats, a clan that claimed descent from the legendary king Shekha. The Shekhawats were also known as the Shekhawati Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Shekhawati, which was also known as the Land of Havelis.

Shekhawati is famous for its painted havelis, which are decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from history, mythology, and everyday life.

Item	Value
Geographical Region	Northern Rajasthan
Establishment	1445 AD
Language/Dialect	Shekhawati
Dynasty	Shekhawat (branch of the Kachhawaha dynasty of Jaipur)
Historical Capitals	Amarsar, Shahpura, Sikar, Lamia, and Jhunjhunu
Places of Shekhawati	Godiawas, Lamia, Khandela, Khatu, Khud, Sikar, Kankadu, Kalan, Patalis, Panchpana, Khetri, Danta, and Dholakheda

Ajmer-Merwada

This name was given to the region in the eastern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Merwadas, a clan that claimed descent from the sage Meru. The Merwadas were also known as the Pratihara Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Ajmer-Merwada, which was also known as the Land of Pratiharas.

Ajmer-Merwada was the most powerful Rajput kingdom in the 9th and 10th centuries and acted as a barrier for the Arab invaders from Sindh. The Diver area of Ajmer and Rajsamand district is known as “Merwada”.

Ajmer-Merwada During Indo-British Empire

Item	Value
Ceded to the Indo-British Empire	1818 AD
Merger of Central Provinces and Berar	1936 AD
Area (as per 1881 AD)	7,021 km² (2,711 square miles)
Population (1881 AD)	4,60,722 people
Population Density (1881 AD)	65.6/km² (170/square miles)

Dhundhad (Dhundhaar)

Item	Value
Geographical Region	East-central Rajasthan

This was the name given to the region in the eastern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Dhundhads, a clan that claimed descent from the sage Dhundhu. Dhundhad (which can also be called the Jaipur region) has been a historical region of Rajasthan. It has also been called Kachwaha State, Amber State, and Jaipur State from time to time.

Dhundhaar was the original name of Jaipur, which was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. This region is covered by the Aravalli mountain range in the northwest, Ajmer in the west, Mewad in the southwest, Hadoti and Alwar district in the south, and Karauli and Bharatpur district in the east.

Districts Included in Dhundhad:

• Jaipur
• Dausa
• Sawai Madhopur
• Tonk
• Northern Part of Karauli District

Vagad/Vagvar

Item	Value
Country	India
State/Province	Rajasthan
Districts	Banswara and Dungarpur districts
Languages Spoken	Bagadi and Hindi

This was the name given to the region in the southern part of Rajasthan that was ruled by the Vagads, a clan that claimed descent from the sage Vagad. The Vagads were also known as the Solanki Rajputs, and they founded the kingdom of Vagad, which was also known as the Land of Solankis.

Vagad was famous for its temples and sculptures, which are examples of the Solanki style of art. In the southern part of Rajasthan, between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, lies the Vagad region. Currently, it is located in Banswara and Dungarpur districts. The local language here is Bagdi, and it is located in the “Jalsambhar” above the Mahi River.

Marwad

Let us know about the historical region “Marwad” of North India…

Item	Value
Geographical Region	Western Rajasthan
Establishment	6th Century
Language/Dialect	Marwadi
Dynasty	Parihar (Pratihara) dynasty (6th to 13th century), Rathore (1226-1949 AD)
Historical Capital	Mandor, Jodhpur

Marwad is located partly in the Thar Desert in the west of Rajasthan. The word Marwar is derived from the Sanskrit word “Maruwat”, which literally means “the land of death”. In ancient times, Marwar was also known as “Marupradesh”.

The districts of Jodhpur, Phalodi, Pali, Balotra, Barmer, Jalore, Sanchore, and Nagaur come under the Marwad state.

Meaning of “Marwad”:
In the word “Marwad”, “wad” means “defense”, and “Maru” means “desert”. So, the meaning of “Marwad” is “a country protected by desert”.

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Aarbud/Chandravati

Item	Value
Geographical Region	South-west Rajasthan
District	Sirohi district
Popular Languages	Rajasthani/Marwadi
Tehsil	Aabu Road

Chandravati is a village situated on the West Banas River in Sirohi district in the southwestern part of Rajasthan. It used to be an important city in ancient history. Even today, ancient temples, pylons, statues, and their remains have been found throughout the area.

Mewal

The land between Dungarpur and Banswara was called “Mewal”. Most of the people here are Meenas (a tribal caste). The region is known for its lush greenery and tribal culture. The Meena tribe has a rich history and has contributed significantly to the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

Mewat

Mainly Alwar and its surrounding area is called “Mewat”. It also shares a border with Haryana. It corresponds to “Matsya Pradesh”, which was founded in the 5th century BC. The region is known for its historical significance and cultural diversity.

Torawati

“The flow area of the Kantali River in Shekhawati is called Torawati.”

Torawati was initially dominated by the Tanwar (Tomar) dynasty rulers. The region is known for its historical forts and temples. The Kantali River is a significant geographical feature of this area, and it has played a crucial role in the region’s agriculture and settlement patterns.

Bangad (Bangar)

Pali, Nagaur, Sikar, and parts of Jhunjhunu, which are the runoff areas of the Luni River, and the tribal region of the Aravalli Mountains, were collectively known as “Bangad”. The region is characterized by its arid climate and rugged terrain.

Plateau Region of Bhorat

The plateau region of Bhorat includes Gogunda of Udaipur district and Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand. The region is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in this region.

Kherar and Malkherad

Jahajpur tehsil of Bhilwara district and most parts of Tonk district are known as “Kherar” and “Malkherad”. The region is known for its agricultural productivity and historical landmarks.

Matsya State

Matsya was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas, in which the collective lands of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli districts were known as “Matsya Pradesh”. It existed since the Mahabharata period. There used to be Matsya people living here, who are today called Meenas (Also, Matsya and Meen literally mean fish in Sanskrit).

Mewad

The region of Udaipur and Chittorgarh in the south-central part of Rajasthan is known as Shivi, Medpat, and Mewar (this area was also called Pragavat in ancient times). This state was ruled by the Guhil and Sisodia kings.

Maal

The southeastern plateau region of Rajasthan was known as “Maal” in ancient times. Most of it is also located in Rajasthan’s neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh. The region is known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity.

Salva State

Alwar and surrounding areas were known as “Salva Pradesh” in ancient times. The region is known for its historical forts and palaces, including the famous Alwar Fort.

Maalani

Barmer and Jalore are also known as “Maalani”. The old name of Barmer was “Maalani”. Even now, Indian Railways runs a train called “Maalani Express”.

Hadoti Region

“Hadoti has been a historical region of North India.”

Item	Value
Geographical Region	Eastern Rajasthan
Dynasty	Hada Rajput
Language	Hadoti
Establishment of State	12th century
Historical Capital	Bundi, Rajasthan
Main River	Chambal River (Supporting rivers – Kali Sindh, Parvati River, Parvan, and Chapi River)
Soil	Alluvial soil

It has been a historical region of India located in eastern Rajasthan. At present, Kota and Bundi are its two major cities.

Districts of This Region at Present:

• Bundi
• Kota
• Baran
• Jhalawar

Mewar state lies to the west of the Hadoti region, Ajmer in the northwest, and Malwa and Gird region in the south and east, respectively.

Bhomat Area

Dungarpur East, Sirohi, and Udaipur district were included in the “Bhomat area”. It’s also called “Bhoomat Area”.

Item	Value
Area	1,233 km²
Rivers	Sabarmati and Vakal River

The Bheel movement was prominent in the Bhomat area, which was run by Motilal Tejawat to bring awareness in society. It is also known as the “Eki movement”.

Kuru State

The Kuru kingdom was a famous kingdom known in ancient India for military might, strategy along the banks of the Ganges River, and for fans of Vedic learning and school. The Kuru dynasty, which was founded by King Bharata, played a significant role in shaping the political, cultural, and religious outlook of ancient India.

The story of a great battle fought between the two fils told in the Mahabharata has emerged as an important fact of the Kuru country and is one of the popular stories in Rajasthan and other regions.

Thali (Northern Desert Land)

Most parts of Bikaner, Churu, and the desert of southern Ganganagar are known as “Thali” (meaning deserted land area). The region is characterized by its arid climate and sparse vegetation.

Malav State

The Malwa region of India is located to the east of Rajasthan and shares its border with the southern districts of Kota, Baran, and Jhalawar. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Paramaras, Mughals, and Marathas. The Parmars, who ruled from Dhar, were among the most powerful and influential dynasties in the region.

Dang Region

Some parts of Dholpur, Karauli, and Sawai Madhopur were known as the “Dang Region”. The region is known for its rugged terrain and historical significance.

Meru

The Aravalli mountain region was known as “Meru”. The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and has significant ecological and historical importance.

Gurjaratra

The southern part of Jodhpur (Mandore) is also known as Gurjaratra. The region is known for its historical landmarks and cultural heritage.

Deshahro

The literal meaning of the word in Marwadi is “Deshharo”, which means the green country. The hilly area between Jarga (Udaipur) and Raga (Sirohi) mountains is known as “Deshahro”. This area is always green due to being in the middle of the hills, hence it is known as “Deshahro”.

Major Dynasties and Their Kingdoms in Rajasthan

Dynasty	Kingdom
Pratihar	Mandor, Bheenmal, Jalor, and Gurjaratra
Kachhwaha	Jaipur, Alwar
Guhil	Mewad, Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh
Sisodiya	Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Shahpura, Pratapgarh, Dungarpur, and Banswara
Chauhan	Ajmer, Jalor, Sivana, Bundi, Sirohi, Kota, Ranthambore, Nadaul, and Gagron
Yadav	Karauli, Jaisalmer, Hanumangarh
Rathore	Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Bikaner
Bhati	Jaisalmer, Hanumangarh
Parmar	Abu, Kiradu, Malwa, Vagad, Jalor
Jhala	Jhalawar
Hada Chauhan	Kota, Bundi
Jaat	Bharatpur and Dhaulpur
Muslim	Tonk
Devda Chauhan	Jalor
Kheenchee Chauhan	Gagron
Chavda	Bheenmal

Present Names of Ancient Cities of Rajasthan

Ancient Cities	Present Name
Ajaymeru	Ajmer
Kaanthal	Pratapgarh
Shreepanth	Banaya
Khijrabad	Chittorgarh
Virat	Bairath
Jainagar	Jaipur
Maadhyamika	Nagari, Chittorgarh
Ramnagar	Ganganagar
Aalaur	Alwar
Chandravati	Sirohi
Tamravati Nagari	आहड़
Jabaliipur	Jalor
Gopal Pal	Karauli
Kothi	Dhaulpur
Shakambhari/Sapaldaksha	Sambhar and surrounding area
Konkan Teerth	Pushkar
Maand	Jaisalmer
Satyapur	Sanchor
Bhatner	Hanumangarh
Ahichhatrapur	Nagaur
Shreemal	Bheenmal
Upkesh Pattan	Osia
Braj Nagar	Jhalarapatan
मालाणी	Barmer

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