When did the word Rajput first appear in history?
The word “Rajput” thus acquired its present-day meaning in the 16th century. During 16th and 17th centuries, the Rajput rulers and their bards ( charans) sought to legitimize the Rajput socio-political status on the basis of descent and kinship.
What is meant by the term ‘Rajput politics’?
Rajput politics refers to the role played by the Rajput community in the electoral politics of India. In states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttrakhand, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat, the large populations of Rajputs gives them a decisive role.
What was the relationship between Rajputs and Mughals?
After the mid-16th century, many Rajput rulers formed close relationships with the Mughal emperors and served them in different capacities. It was due to the support of the Rajputs that Akbar was able to lay the foundations of the Mughal empire in India.
How did a tribal family convert to Rajput?
During the era of the Mughal empire, “Hypergamous marriage” with the combination of service in the state army was another way a tribal family could convert to Rajput. This process required a change in tradition, dressing, ending window remarriage, etc.
What factors influenced the formation of Rajput community?
Some were Brahmans who took to warfare, and some were from Tribes- indigenous of foreign”. Thus, the Rajput community formation was a result of political factors that influenced caste mobility, called Sanskritization by some scholars and Rajputization by others.
What is Rajput painting according to Coomaraswamy?
According to Ananda Coomaraswamy, Rajput painting symbolised the divide between Muslims and Hindus during Mughal rule. The styles of Mughal and Rajput painting are oppositional in character. He characterised Rajput painting as “popular, universal and mystic”.