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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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