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Rajput
Rajpoots 2.png
An 1876 engraving of the Rajputs of Rajputana, from the Illustrated London News
Religions Hinduism and Islam
Languages Hindi, Haryanvi, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Gujarati, Maithili, Marwari, Mewari, Sindhi, Dogri and Pahari
Region Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Sindh

The Rajputs are an important group of people from India. They are mostly Hindu and are known for being brave warriors. For a long time, they ruled many kingdoms across India. The word "Rajput" comes from the Sanskrit words "Raja-putra," which means "son of a king."

Rajputs believe they are descendants of ancient royal families. They were part of the Kshatriya class, which was traditionally the warrior and ruler class in ancient Indian society. Their history is full of stories about courage, honor, and loyalty.

Where Do Rajputs Live?

Rajputs live in many parts of India and nearby regions. You can find them in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat. They also live in parts of Pakistan and Nepal. Over centuries, they spread across different areas, bringing their culture and traditions with them.

What Are the Rajput Clans?

The Rajputs are made up of 36 different groups, called clans. These clans are divided into three main lines, or "vanshas," based on their legendary origins:

  • Suryavanshi: These Rajputs believe they are descendants of the sun god, Surya.
  • Chandravanshi: These Rajputs believe their ancestors came from the moon god, Chandra.
  • Agnivanshi: These Rajputs believe they came from the fire god, Agni.

Each clan has its own unique history and traditions, but they all share the common Rajput identity.

Rajput History and Culture

Rajputs were famous for building strong forts and beautiful palaces. These buildings often show amazing art and architecture. They were also known for their bravery in battles. Many Rajput rulers defended their kingdoms with great courage.

Their culture is rich with traditions, music, and dance. Stories of their heroes and queens are still told today. Honor and pride are very important values in Rajput culture.

Images for kids

  • Oomuts of Nursinghur, Rajpoot tribe, Central India (NYPL b13409080-1125623)

    Rajputs of Central India

  • Bikaner fort view 08

    During their centuries-long rule, the Rajputs constructed several palaces. Shown here is the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Rajasthan, which was built by the Rathore Rajput rulers

  • A royal Rajput procession

    A royal Rajput procession, depicted on a mural at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

  • Shri Karni Mata Deshnoke-2

    Karni Mata, Hindu Goddess primarily worshipped by Rajputs

  • The Rajpootnee Bride

    The Rajput bride, illustration in The Oriental Annual, or Scenes of India (1835)

  • Rajput men playing the game of Puchesee; a photo by Eugene Clutterbuck Impey, early 1860

    Rajputs of Udaipur playing the game of Puchesee

  • Nihâl Chand 001 cropped

    An 18th-century Rajput painting by the artist Nihâl Chand

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rajput para niños

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