Rajputs : Legendary Warriors of India

The word Rajput derived from the Sanskrit word Rajputra or prince in English. In middle ages these warriors established a feared and respected reputation for themselves. The word Rajput became the synonym of bravery, honor and chivalry. They were the Indian version of European knights and followed a strict code of honor.

Rajput Warrior

Origin : The Rajputs were the natives of Rajasthan, an Indian state in north western India. They came to fame during Muslim invasions of India in 10th century. Because of their stiff resistance Muslim Sultans of Delhi Sultanate struggled to subdue Rajasthan. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji they made a notable progress in expansion but never were really able to subdue the Rajputs. During the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, Rajasthan became a Mughal province (Though a resistance by the king of Mewar was still in effect but the majority of the Rajput kingdoms were under Mughal rule). 

Golden Era : The Rajputs became famous for their heroism and valor in battle. After Delhi Sultanate being established, the rulers tried to expand their territory to North western India. Rajasthan was divided in small Hindu kingdoms. They had their own feud with each other and in constant fighting. Because of that the Sultans of Delhi thought they were easy prey and could be conquered without much of a resistance. But what they overlooked or miscalculated was the nature of the terrain and the forts Rajputs had for their defense. Most of the cities in Rajasthan were fortified and because of their constant fight with each other most of those were well defended. The Rajputs were war like people and because of the harsh terrain they were hardy fighters. Those reasons held the expansion of Delhi Sultanate to Rajasthan almost a century. During the time of Alauddin Khilji Delhi sultanate conquered many Rajput kingdoms with a large force and the tactics required to conquer those lands. Alauddin Khilji himself was a brilliant general which also helped him in that matter. After Babur defeated the last Sultan of Delhi sultanate in battle of Panipat in 1526, the unified Rajput force under the leadership of king of Mewar Rana Sangram Singh tried to capture Delhi but defeated. Mughals first introduced firearms and canons in India. Those weapons saved the day for the Mughals. During the reign of third Mughal emperor Akbar Mughals tried a different approach. They tried to win them by honoring and establishing friendship with them. Like Akbar himself married Rajput Princess Jodha Bai. Man Singh another Rajput king became the main general of Mughal army. King Todor Mal became the finance minister of Mughal Empire. This way Akbar succeeded to subdue many Rajput kingdoms and got their friendship. Though Mewar still continued the hostility and never submitted to Mughal rule. Eventually Akbar conquered Mewar after the battle of Haldighati in 1576 but Rana Pratap Singh never submitted and continued fighting and regained some territories from the Mughals but he never saw his capital Chittor again. He is still remembered in India with respect and as a symbol of independence.

Maharana Pratap Singh

Weapons & armor : The main weapon of Rajput warriors were swords and shields. They used Khanda (A double edged straight sword) and shields. Bows were secondary weapons. Another famous weapon in their arsenal was Katar (A version of push dagger). The Rajputs mainly wore chain mail armor with metal helmet in battle. 

Katar

Downfall : Rajputs became the main pillar of Mughal military might. The tradition Akbar set by marriage and honoring the Rajputs, helped Mughal Empire to expand in rest of India. Akabar's son Jahangir and grandson Shah Jahan followed his footstep but the problem started in Akbar's great grandson Aurangzeb's rule. He was intolerant to other religions and imposed Jijia Tax again which Akbar abolished. It was the tax for non Muslims for pilgrimage. That ignited the rebellion in Rajasthan and weakened Mughal Empire drastically. Though during Aurangzeb's reign Mughal Empire reached its peak and covered almost entire India but his policies undermined it totally. After his death Rajputs fought and became independent again. Though it also took its toll on later stages. Constant fighting with Mughal Empire weakened them too and because they were divided in smaller kingdoms failed to resist the rise of Maratha empire and Sikh empire. After British conquered most of India they conquered Rajasthan too and Rajputs became the shadow of their glorious past.

Conclusion : Though the glory days of Rajputs were gone but they still maintained and being respected for their honor, chivalry and fighting ability. Indian Army has Rajput Regiment and Rajputana Rifles. Those Rajput warriors are still guarding India from outside threat.