Rajasthan History

They climes to be the original Kshatriya (Warriors) seeing themselves as protectors of the dharma (religion) against invaders with attributes ascribed to the martial castes i.e. chivalry, bravery and unquestioning loyalty. 

By the 8- century most of the north-west desert was ruled by various clans in small kingdoms but the height of their power and glory was between the 13 and 16 – century. Even during the growing might of the Mughal Emperor Akbar many Rajput princes were awarded high offices in return for loyalty but in the later period several Rajput princes sought to secure their autonomy from the Mughal. 

Thereafter, their continuous interclan rivalry and the growing might of the Mughal Empire finally eroded their strength. After the quelling of the mutiny in 1858 and with the establishment of the British Empire, the Rajput princely states gained in appearance and power. The rugged forts and palaces, innumerable temples surviving amidst scattered ruins and medieval cities are testimony to its turbulent past and legends.