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The home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry,
Rajasthan is said to have been a region where human settlement dated back
to the early historical period.
Archaeological excavations establish a connection with
the Harappan culture which dates to about 1000BC. In the period from 3000-500BC
this region formed a part of the river valley inhabitation. The relics
of Virat also speaks of the area being inhabited by the Pre-Aryan people
of the oldest called Push Karara Nanya (modern Pushkar in Ajmer). The
first Aryan settlement here was at Dundhmer in modern Dundhar. The influence
of Jainism and Buddhism, also spread to this region. It witnessed the
rule of the Magadha, Kushanas and the Guptas, during which it was divided
into Mahajanapadas and Janapadas. Rajasthan formed part of the Mauryan
Empire in about 130-150AD and the Guptas ruled it in the 4th
century.
From about 640AD the Gujars, Pratiharas, Chauhans, Gahlots
etc established their independent Kingdoms. Internal rivalry between the
Rajput Kingdoms led to the establishment of many strong Rajput Kingdoms
which resisted the supreme domination of the Mughals. The Mughal rule
declined by about 1707AD and gave way to the Marathas. The Marathas were
subdued by the British who disintegrated many of its areas. After Independence
Rajasthan was organised into a state in 1956.
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