RAJPOOTANA

RAJPOOTANA, an extensive region of India, lying between N. Lat. 23. 35. and 29. 57, E. Long. 70. 5. and 77. 40.; bounded on the N. by the British district of Buttecana; N.E. and E. by those of Kurrecana and Goorgaon, and by the states of Jhujhur, Bhurtpore, Dhoipore, and Gwalior; S. by the territories of Scindia, Holkar, and the Guicowar, by Jabbooa and Myhee Caunta; and W. by Scinde and Bhawulpore. Length, from E. to W., 420 miles; breadth, about 400. It is divided into the following distinct states:—

The country derives its name from the Rajputs, a peculiar race of men who inhabit it. They are believed to be descended from the Kshestriyas, or warriors, one of the four original castes of the Hindus. It is not known at what period they first appeared as a distinct nation, but they attained a high degree of power and renown just before the Mohammedan conquests in the twelfth century. At that time they possessed an extensive dominion, including Delhi, Kunnooj, and Guzerat. In 1193 and 1194 the Rajput chiefs sustained more than one defeat at the hands of the Mohammedans, and were deprived of all their possessions except the regions they now occupy. In many other parts of India, however, scattered members of the Rajput race are to be met with. The character of this people is remarkable, and exhibits many traces of their military origin. A sort of feudal system is the polity of the nation; the various clans into which the people are divided form societies of men, closely connected one to another, and devoted to their chieftains; and these chieftains, again, are similarly related to each other and to the rajah. Many of the peculiar features of the mediæval chivalry are or were discernible among the Rajputs, though perhaps after a ruder and less elevated pattern. Among these are the deference paid to women, the code of honour towards their enemies, the pride of birth, and the delight in warlike exploits which mark this warrior tribe of Hindus. These good qualities are not unmixed with the greatest vices. Sutee and infanticide are the most atrocious of these; treachery and cruelty are by no means unknown among them; and even their courage, so far from being a cool and steady determination, is avowedly stimulated by the intoxication of opium. Improvements are now being introduced gradually into the country, under the protection of the British, which is proving very beneficial. It is exercised through an agent for the states of Rajpootana. This connection with the British originated about the beginning of

Rake
Raleigh. this century, when the Rajpoots proved unable to defend their country against the Mahrattas.