Sources of Rajasthan History

Sources of Rajasthan History provide the foundation for understanding the region’s political, social, and cultural evolution. In the context of Rajasthan History, these sources include literary texts, inscriptions, coins, architecture, and archaeological findings that help historians reconstruct the past accurately.

Sources of Rajasthan History

The history of Rajasthan is renowned for its rich and multifaceted heritage. Information about it is derived from historical texts, inscriptions, eulogies, travelers’ accounts, and archaeological materials. Among these, inscriptions serve as the most reliable source, providing precise details about events, dynasties, administrative systems, and cultural trends. The Archaeological Survey of India (established in 1861 CE under the leadership of Alexander Cunningham) laid the foundation for archaeological research in Rajasthan. The first systematic survey in the region was conducted in 1871 CE under the supervision of A.C.L. Carlleyle. Discoveries like the painted rock shelters in Bundi (Chhaja River area), Kota (Chambal River area), Viratnagar (Jaipur), Sohanpura (Sikar), and Harsora (Alwar) serve as remarkable evidence of prehistoric human life and art in Rajasthan.

Painted Rock Shelters

1. Depiction of Swastika Dadikar (Alwar)

2. Forearms and legs Painting, Dadikar (Alwar)

3. Ambush Painting, Dadikar (Alwar)

4. Human figure with weapon- Kunjota (Jpr)

5. Painted rock shelter- sohanpura (Sikar)

While studying these sources, it is crucial to understand how historical timelines are structured and defined. A proper comprehension of key terms like BC (Before Christ), AD (Anno Domini), and Vikram Samvat (VS) is essential for accurate interpretation of historical dates.

AD (In the year of Lord) refers to the years after the birth of Christ. It counts time forward,

BC (Before Christ)
- Refers to the years before the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a counting method that moves backwards in time from the year 1 AD. For example, 1000 BC means 1000 years before Christ’s birth.
- In history, BC helps to mark events that happened before the start of the Gregorian calendar.
AD (Anno Domini)
- starting from the year 1 AD.
- For example, 2026 AD means 2026 years after the birth of Christ. This is the standard calendar used worldwide today.
Vikram Samvat (VS)
- This is an ancient Indian calendar system that started in 57 BC with the victory of King Vikramaditya over the Sakas.
- The Vikram Samvat is still widely used in India and Nepal for religious and cultural purposes. It runs parallel to the Gregorian calendar but is 57 years ahead of the Gregorian system. For example, 2026 AD corresponds to 2083 VS.
- Let’s Start Our Journey Through Time 🌍

Major Inscriptions and Eulogies of Rajasthan

Now that we have grasped the foundation of historical timelines, we can proceed to explore Rajasthan’s historical sources in greater detail.

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S.No	Year	Place	Language/Script	Key Facts
1.	443 BC	Barli, Ajmer	Script – Brahmi	This inscription was discovered by Pandit Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha from the Bhilot Mata Temple in the Badli village of Ajmer. This is the oldest inscription of Rajasthan and 2nd oldest in India. Reveals that the Jaina cult was prevalent in Madhyamika.
2.	250 BC	Bairath, Jaipur	Language – PrakritScript – Sanskrit	Bairath was the major centre of Buddhist culture under the Mauryan Empire. 2 Inscription are found from Bairath Bijak Hill (discovered by Capt. Burt in 1837) – reflects Ashok’s deep faith in Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma. Bhim Dungari (discovered by british archaeologist Carlylle in 1871)
3.	2^nd century BC	Ghosundi, Chittor	Language – SanskritScript – Brahmi	Oldest inscription related to the Vaishnava sect (Bhagwat sect) in Rajasthan. Mentions Asvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata, Krishna & Sankarshana (Balram).
4.	225 AD	Nandsa Yupe Stambha, Bhilwara	Language – Sanskrit	This inscription gives us information about the expansion of the kingdoms of the Satraps of that time . Information of ancient yajnas performed in northern India.
5.	227 AD	Barnala Yupe Stambha, Jaipur	Language – Sanskrit	Presently preserved at Amer museum. Mentions establishment of 7 pathshalas.
6.	238-239 AD	Badwa Stambha, Baran	Language – Sanskrit	Describes triratra yajna performed by three brothers.
7.	423 AD	Gungdhar, Jhalawar	Language – Sanskrit	Mentioned construction of Vishnu temple by Mayuraksha, minister of Vishwakarma.
8.	424 AD	Nagari	Language – Sanskrit	Presently preserved at Ajmer museum. Evidence of Vishnu worship.
9.	490 AD	Bharamar Mata, Pratapgarh	Language – Sanskrit	Author – Brahmsom From the temple of Bhramar Mata on the chhoti-sadri hill. Mention Gaur and Aulikar dynasty.
10.	625 AD	Basantgarh, Sirohi	Language – Sanskrit	Evidence of the Feudal system. Raujil, son of Vajra Bhatt, mentioned as ruler of Arbud region.
11.	646 AD	Samoli, Mewar	Language – SanskritScript – Kutil	Useful for determining the period of the Guhil dynasty of Mewar. Evidence of Copper & Zinc mining near Zawar. Focus on Economic and Literary condition of that time Mewar.
12.	661 AD	Nadi Village, Mewar	Language – Sanskrit Script – kutil	Describes bravery of Guhil ruler Aparajit.
13.	685 AD	Mandore, Jodhpur	Language – Sanskrit	Engraved on rock in Bawadi.
14.	713 AD	Manmori, Chittor	Language – Sanskrit	Mention the Mauryan king Chitrangad Maurya who built Chittorgarh. Mention of 4 Mauryan kings Maheshwar, Bhim, Bhoj and Raja Man. Mention the story of ‘Amrit Manthan’.
15.	738 AD	Kanaswan, Kota	Language – Sanskrit	Informs regarding Mauryan ruler Dhawal. It is important because after this inscription, there is no mention of Mauryan dynasty kings in Rajasthan in any other inscription.
16.	861 AD	Ghantiyala, Jodhpur	Language – Sanskrit	Information on political, social, and religious policies of the Pratihara dynasty.
17.	861 AD	Ghantiyala, Jodhpur	Marathi Verses & Sanskrit	Mentions Harishchandra, a Brahmin – supposed founder of the Pratihara dynasty.
18.	865 AD	Osian, Jodhpur	Language – Sanskrit	Vatsraj was given the title of Ripudaman. Describes Varna system.
19.	880 AD	Gwalior Eulogy	Language – SanskritScript – Brahmi	This prashasti was engraved during the time of Gurjar Pratihara ruler Mihir Bhoj. Describes the political achievements of the rulers of the Pratihara dynasty and their genealogy. Its composer was Balatditya.
20.	971 AD	Nath Prashasti	Language – SanskritScript – Devanagari	Preserved at Lakulish temple, Udaipur. Useful to know the political and cultural history of Mewar.
21.	973 AD	Harshnath Eulogy	Language – Sanskrit	Found in Shiv temple, Harsha Hill (Sikar). Throws light on lineage of Chauhans and their Achievements.
22.	977 AD	Aahad	Language – Sanskrit	Describes kings Allat, Narwahan & Shaktikumar. Gives details on the military system of Mewar. Col. Tod took the inscription to England.
23.	1170 AD	Bijolia inscription	Language – Sanskrit	This inscription was made by Jain Shravak ‘Lolak’ on a rock near the Parshvanatha temple of Bijolia. Information about the genealogy and achievements of The Chauhan dynasty. The Chauhans of Sambhar and Ajmer have been described as ‘Vatsa Gotra Brahmins’. Mention Ancient names of various regions- Jabalipur (Jalore), Shreemal (Bhinmal), Dillika (Delhi) etc. It’s Author was Gunbhadra.
24.	1285 AD	Achleshwar Inscription	Language – Sanskrit	This inscription was found from the monastery near the Achleshwar temple in Abu. Mentioned about the worship of Harit Rishi and getting of the kingdom by Bappa due to his blessings. This article describes Medapat, stating that it was named so because Bappa annihilated enemies here, and their blood soaked the land, making it wet, which led to the name “Medapat.”
25.	1325 AD	Dhaibipeer’s dargah		Name of Chittorgarh is found as Khijrabad.
26.	1439 AD	Ranakpur Eulogy	Language – SanskritScript – Nagri	Placed in ‘Chaumukha Temple’ ranakpur. Information about the social, economic and religious life of chittor. ‘Bappa Rawal’ is mentioned as the founder of the Guhil dynasty. Bappa and Kalabhoj have been portrayed as different persons. Mention various Styles and Victories of Rana Kumbha. Its panegyrist was Depak.
27.	1460 AD	Kirti Stambh Eulogy	Language – Sanskrit	Describe the Genealogy of the Guhils from Bappa to Rana Kumbha and their achievements. Detailed description of Rana Kumbha’s achievements and books written by him(Chandi Shatak, Geet-govind, Sangeet Raj etc). Information about Kumbha’s titles (Danguru, Rajguru,Shailguru). Description of Kumbha defeating the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat.
28.	1460 AD	Kumbhalgarh Eulogy	Language – SanskritScript – Nagri	This eulogy is engraved in Kumbha Shyam Temple. This inscription was engraved on five stones of which first, third and fourth stones are available. In the Fourth eulogy, Hammir has been referred to as ‘ vishamghati Panchanan. ’Description of Hammir’s victory over Chwlawat.
29.	1535 AD	Copper plates of Pur		This copper plate is from the time of Maharana Vikramaditya. This copper plate gives information about the land grant given by Hadi Rani Karmavati while entering Jauhar. Information about 2nd Jauhar of chittor.
30.	1675 AD	Trimukhi Stepwell Eulogy		This inscription is placed in the Trimukhi stepwell near Daibari. This stepwell was built by queen Ramsarde of maharaja Raj Singh-I. Names and achievements of prominent rulers from Bappa to Rajsingh-I of Mewar.
31.	1676 AD	Rajsingh Eulogy	Language-Sanskrit	The author of this prashasti was Ranchhodbhatt Tailang. This is the world’s largest inscription engraved on 25 black rocks on the embankment of the ‘Nau chauki pal’ of Rajsamand Lake. It describes the genealogy and achievements of the Guhil’s from Bapa Rawal to Rana Jagat Singh II. It also describes the Mughal-Mewar treaty (1615 AD) signed by Maharana Amar Singh.

FAQ (Previous year questions)

About : The Ghosundi inscription, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is a Sanskrit inscription written in Brahmi script, found in Ghosundi, Chittor.
Significance:
- The Ghosundi inscription is the oldest known reference to the Vaishnava / Bhagwat sect.
- It provides evidence of the performance of Ashvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata, highlighting the religious practices of the time.
- The inscription mentions the deities Krishna and Sankarshana (Balram), emphasizing their significance in local religious practices.

What is the significance of Ghosundi Inscription ?

About : The Ghosundi inscription, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is a Sanskrit inscription written in Brahmi script, found in Ghosundi, Chittor.
Significance: The Ghosundi inscription is the oldest known reference to the Vaishnava / Bhagwat sect.
It provides evidence of the performance of Ashvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata, highlighting the religious practices of the time.
The inscription mentions the deities Krishna and Sankarshana (Balram), emphasizing their significance in local religious practices.

Time (BC/AD)	Vikram Samvat (V.S)	Event	Details
10000 BC		Stone Age	Early humans lived as hunters-gatherers.
7000 BC		Early Farming	Agriculture and Domestication of Animals started.
2600 BC		Harappan Civilization	Advanced urban culture (Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro), Also called (First Urbanization)
1700 BC		Decline of the Harappan Civilization	Various theories of decline of civilization
1500 BC		Vedic Period	Arrival of Aryans. Rigveda composed. Settlements grew along Sarasvati and Ganga rivers.
1200 BC		Iron age	Use of iron tools encouraged agriculture and warfare. Formation of early states.
600 BC		Rise of Mahajanpada	Second urbanisation phase Large kingdoms like Magadha, Kosala and Avanti emerged, leading to the development of new cities like Pataliputra (modern Patna) and Varanasi. Jainism (Mahavira) and Buddhism (Gautam Buddha) were established.
322 BC		Mauryan Empire(322 BC- 185 BC)	Chandragupta Maurya unified India.At this time, Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and Konkan regions were known as Upper Janpad or Western Janpad.
185 BC		Fall of the Maurya Empire Invasions of foreign races began on India	The last ruler of Maurya dynasty, Brihadratha, was murdered by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga.After the Mauryans, Rajasthan was divided into small Ganas.Beginning of foreign invasions on Rajasthan (150 BC Menander took over Madhyamika Nagari, Chittor)
57 BC	Starting of Vikram Samvat	Victory of Chandragupta Vikramaditya	King Vikramaditya defeated the Sakas, marking the beginning of Vikram Samvat.
1 BC		End of BC Era	The last year before Christ’s birth. The timeline shifts to AD (Anno Domini).Fall of foreign tribes Kushan Pahlava from Rajasthan (130 A.D. – 150 A.D.)
AD 1		Birth of Christ	Beginning of Anno Domini (AD) era.
320 AD		Gupta Period	Shree Gupta establishes Gupta dynasty
646 AD		End of Vardhan Dynasty	Lack of strong centre power, as resultMany Rajput dynasties (Pratihara, Chauhan, Guhil, Parmar) were established in Rajasthan
8^th – 12^thAD		Rajput Era	Era of Rajput in rajasthan.
1947 AD	2004 V.S		India’s Independence
2026 AD (Present)	2083 V.S	Modern Era	The current year in Vikram Samvat is 2083 (2026+57) and in AD is 2026.