Traditional Indian History Rise of Rajputs

 Traditional Indian History:
• Medieval India – Rise of Rajputs

Rise of RajputsIntroduction:

The medieval history of India consists of the time period of 700 AD to 1857 AD. The early medieval age, from the 7th-12th century, was the age of Rajput dominance which lasted till the Turko-Muslim conquests in the 12th century. Thisperiod of 500 years marks the Rajput Period. The term ‘Rajput’ acquired its present meaning only in the 16th century, although it is also anachronistically used to describe the earlier lineages that emerged in northern India from the sixth century onwards. Gradually, the Rajputs emerged as a social class comprising people from a variety of ethnic and geographical backgrounds. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the membership of this class became largely hereditary, although new claims to Rajput status continued to be made in the later centuries.

The Rajputs were divided into 100 clans and were very proud. The Rajputs were chivalrous and a warrior class and believed in protecting the weak. Many Rajput states continued to rule over their areas even after the sultanate and the Mughal rule were established. They were the main defenders of the Hindu religion and culture against Muslim aggression. Hinduism got renewed during this period, also this period known as the age of chivalry. They were followers of Hinduism but patronized Buddhism and Jainism as well.

The struggle for domination in north India kept these Rajput kingdoms in conflict with each other. Their lack of unity was the sole reason that the invaders were successful in their raids.The inter-caste conflicts also weakened the kingdoms which the Islamic invaders took advantage of.The Chauhans and the Pratiharas rose in dominance during the Rajput period. The whole of North India was spread with the Rajput’s as they were the Warrior clan andhad every northern part under their supremacy during this period. Around 30 different Rajput kingdoms riled over central, north, and north-western India over time.

Rajput Dynasties:

The major Rajput dynasties that sprang out after declining of the Pratiharas of Kannauj are:

• The-Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer

• The Tomars of Delhi

• The Rathores of Kannauj

• The Guhilas or Sisodiyas of Mewar

• The Chandelas of Bundelkhand-built Khajuraho temples

• The Paramaras of Malwa with capitals at Ujjain and Dhara

• The Solankis of Gujarat a.k.a. Chaulukyas

• Gahadavalas of Varanasi

• Society under Rajput kingdom

Literature, art, and architecture in the Rajput Kingdoms:

• Kalhana’s Rajatarangin (‘River of Kings’)• Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam, the Song of the cowherd

• Somadeva’s Kathasaritasagar

• Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, wrote Prithviraj Raso in which he refers to the military exploits of Prithviraj Chauhan.

• Bhaskara Charya wrote Siddhanta Shiromani, a book on astronomy.

• Rajasekhara, the court poet of Mahendrapala and Mahipala wrote Karpuramanjari, Kavyamimamsa, and Balaramayana.

• Mural paintings and Miniatures paintings were popular.

• Temples at Khajuraho were built by the Chandelas.

• Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar

• The Sun Temple at Konark

• The Dilwara Temple at Mount Abu

Lifestyle:

The Rajput shadowed a Traditional lifestyle while depicting the martial spirit. Rajput celebrates the festival of Rakhi as they believe the bracelets would avert the evil in battle. Rajput carry their chivalric grandeur and ethnicity in their dressing style and tradition while booming a distinct style in their traditional costume. The citizens from this community prefer to embellish themselves with various jewelry and ornaments. As a leader of a main feudal society, they played the role of protectors. Prosperous and powerful, they wore garments made of fine fabric, with intricate designs and a high degree of ornamentation.

The Rajput men

Nobles of Rajputs generally attired themselves in the Jama, Shervani as an upper garment and Salvar, Churidar-Pyjama (a pair of shaped trousers) as lower garments. The Dhoti was also in tradition in that time but styles were different to wear it.

The Rajput men, who were fundamentally warriors, always present a distinctly male appearance. Aristocratic dresses were mainly worn by Rajput men that are quite elaborate court-dresses and consisting of :

Pagadi, Ang Rakhi, Churidar pyjama, and a belt called the “Kamarbandh”. The Angrakhi is a long upper garment worn over a sleeveless close-fitting front. It had an asymmetrical front yoke and is open, at the center and tied at the corner in the center-front waistline. 

‘Jama’ and the ‘Shervani’ are the other upper garments worn by the royal people. 

The lower garment includes Trousers.

’Dhoti’ is also worn, though styles differ from region to region. The Teveta style is most commonly worn in the Thar desert region, while the other regions use the tilangi style.

The Indians were known for their extravagant armor and weapons that brings a message of awe and death in the battlefield.

The rajputi women:

The clothes of the young Rajput girls embrace an upper garment called `puthia` which is made up of cotton fabric in colors of yellow, pink, and white and maybe either plain or printed. The young girls wear a slack pyjama called `sulhanki`. The married women wear `kanchli`, `angia` and `kurti` as upper garments that are made of satin or fine cotton in red, magenta, green or yellow. Widows and unmarried women of the Rajput communal wear `polka`, which is a half-sleeved bodice that ends at the waist. Moreover the `ghaghra` of the Rajput woman is a large gored skirt of line satin, silk or organza. The `ghagras` are decorated with gold or silver embroidery that display the wealth of the wearer. Rajput women wear three styles of `ghaghra` namely Kalidar, `charpaui` and `kalipatti`.

Their womenfolk are shown in the silk paintings of that era wearing ankle length skirts, a small blouse and a thin shawl draped over the body and the head. They also wore plenty of jewelry and their clothes were in very bright and happy colors. This trend of dressing remained thus for a very long period.

Rajputi Poshak

Rajputi Poshak is a traditional dress worn by women of the Rajput community in India. It is a three-piece outfit consisting of a lehenga (skirt), choli (blouse), and dupatta (scarf). The lehenga is often decorated with embroidery, mirrorwork, and jewels.

 The choli is usually a plainer fabric, and the dupatta is often ornately decorated. Rajputi Poshak is characterized by its colourful and ornate design and is often considered to be one of the most beautiful traditional dresses in India.

Rajputi Poshak is not just a form of clothing, but a symbol of Rajputi culture and tradition. Rajput women take great pride in their Poshak and it is seen as a sign of their status and wealth. 

The Poshak is often seen as a symbol of femininity and grace and is an important part of Rajputi weddings and other special occasions.

Importance of Rajputi Poshak

Rajputi Poshak is an important part of Rajasthani culture and heritage. It is a traditional form of clothing worn by Rajput women and is considered to be a symbol of Rajputi pride and it is an important part of their identity. It is a bright and colorful dress that is usually adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work.

The Rajputi Poshak is not only beautiful but also very practical. The loose-fitting dress is perfect for the hot and dry climate of Rajasthan. It is also comfortable to wear and easy to care for. Rajputi Poshak is a must-have in the wardrobe of any Rajasthani woman.

Rajputi Poshak not only represents the rich culture and history of Rajasthan but is also a part of the Rajasthani identity. It is a popular choice of clothing for special occasions and festivals and is often seen as a status symbol. Rajputi Poshak is a beautiful and unique form of clothing that is sure to make any woman feel like a queen.

The History of Rajputi Poshak

The Rajputi Poshak is a traditional garment worn by Rajput women in Rajasthan. It is a long dress that is typically brightly colored and embroidered with intricate designs. The Poshak is considered to be a symbol of Rajput culture and is often worn on special occasions.

The history of the Rajputi Poshak can be traced back to the 16th century. It is believed that the first Poshaks were made for the wives of Rajput rulers. Over time, the dress became more popular and was eventually adopted by women of all social classes. 

Today, the Poshak is still worn by Rajput women and is considered to be a symbol of their culture and heritage.Rajputi Poshak is a beautiful and meaningful dress that has a deep cultural significance. It is a wonderful way to celebrate Rajput culture and show support for the strong and independent women of Rajasthan. 

Jewellery:

The Rajput women wear jewellery and these are exquisite in style and design. Rakhdi is a head ornament; `machi-suliya` is worn on the ears. Their necklaces are the `tevata`, the `pattia` and the `aad`. The `rakhdi`, `nath` and the `chuda` were symbols of a woman’s marital status. Ornaments for the feet include the `jod`, `rimjhol` and the `pagpan`. The footwear of both genders is very alike called `juti` and is made of leather with solid embroider on the surface.

Miniature Paintings:-

Persian influence on Rajput clothing:

Peshwaz, one of the most popular Mughal costumes was a loose jama-like robe, fastened at the front, with ties at the waist, usually high – waisted and long- sleeved. Sometimes several fine transparent muslin peshwaz were worn, for a layered look. Sometimes a choli (blouse) was worn under the Peshwaz. Yet another famous outfit was the Pai-Jama which is a compound of two Persian words “pai” meaning legs or feet and “jama” meaning cover. Drawstring pai-jamas have been worn in Persia since very ancient times. From about CE 1530 onwards, several types of pai-jama were worn inIndia.

Key Words:

Poshak- a traditional garment worn by Rajput women in Rajasthan

Peshwaz- one of the most popular Mughal costumes, a loose jama-like robe

Pai-Jama- a compound of two Persian words “pai” meaning legs or feet and “jama” meaning cover