History of Rajasthan is marked by story of bloodshed, heroism and scarifies as the erstwhile Rajputana kings were perpetually locked in armed conflict with their neighbors. Many of these legends have come to us in the form of ballads sung by folk singers or in the accounts of bards and court poets. Many more find mention in history.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon with in medieval India. Passionately attached to their land, family and honor, the Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their velour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion. There are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the
 following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of the Mughals, and continued to make raids on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal rule. Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct State service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties with the proud Rajputs, who made formidable enemies.
Despite fighting and involved in mighty wars most of the times, it is a miracle that Rajput kings found so much time and devotion to create such admirable structures. From mighty forts over hilltops to beautiful palaces with all the modern facilities and extensive town planning - Rajput kings excelled in all the fields of constructing great monuments.
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