There was no political unity in north India for about five centuries. Palas of Bengal reigned supreme till the Pratiharas became the most powerful rulers of north India. But in the tenth century, the Rashtrakutas of Deccan tried to extend their power in north India but ultimately failed in their attempt.
About Rajput Kingdoms
The emergence of the Rajputs was the outcomes of the death of Harshavardhana and the breakup of Pratihara Empire. They dominated the Indian political scene nearly 500 years of the 7th century.
The Rajputs emerged into political importance as early as the 7th century. From about 800, Rajput dynasties dominated northern India, and the many petty Rajput kingdoms there were among the main obstacles to the complete Muslim domination of Hindu India.
The dominance of Rajputs began from the seventh and eighth centuries and lasted till the Muslim conquest in the twelfth century.
The period of Muslim aggression, the Rajputs were the main defenders of the Hindu religion and culture origin of Rajputs.
They were considered as the descendents of the foreign invaders and the Indian Kshatriyas. Foreign invaders were Indianized and absorbed into Indian society.
It can be said that diverse elements constitute in the shaping of the Rajput clan. They became homogenous by constant intermarriage and by adopting common customs.
They made war as their chief occupation. However, trade and agriculture also prospered. They built strong forts. Gurjara-Pratiharas were the earliest of the Rajput rulers.
Its first great leader was Harischandra. He conquered extensive territory in Rajaputana and ruled with his capital at Bhinmal. The Gurjaras were in different branches. One branch ruled Gujarat and another at Avanthi.
The Pratiharas involved themselves in a three cornered contest with the Palas of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of Deccan.
Later the Pratiharas became weak. The Chauhans, the most valiant of the Rajput races, ruled Ajmir.
Chauhans faced the onslaught of the MusllIIlS under Muhammad of Ghori. The Paramaras were also important Rajput rulers of this period. The most important king was Bhoja.
Chauhans faced the onslaught of the MusllIIlS under Muhammad of Ghori. The Paramaras were also important Rajput rulers of this period. The most important king was Bhoja.
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