Rajput Culture- Amalgamation of Tradition and Modernity

In recent years, there has been a flood of information through research publications in the social history of Rajputs. The work is not only focused on political strategy but also on the non- parallel social change in the Rajput society. It focuses on the influence of Britishers on ruling class Rajputs and common Rajput society. It highlights the effects of the treaty of 1818 with Jaipur, social culture of Rajputs and attempts to eradicate evil practices. Above all, it explains how education brought reform in the Rajput Society but fragmented them into two groups.

The transition period in society was different. Educated and ruling class were steadily adopting changes and attempted to bring reform but elite conservationists were attached to their tradition which included evil practices also. On the other, nonclite section of Rajput society was accepting it at low pace. The book begins with the discussion of the nature of Rajput society which proceeds with the political transformation due to the treaty of 1818 during British paramountcy in Jaipur State. The chief characteristic of the administration of Rajputana was feudalism. This system enhanced the disputes within the Rajputs. The clan system had divided the Rajputs in the number of groups that made the task of national integration very difficult. The non-ruling class Rajputs had deprived of human rights which were the oppressive actions of the ruling It then explains the tradition which consisted of evil practices and attempts made by British authority to eradicate them. When the British suzerainty was established in Rajasthan by the treaty of 1818, the British Officers, the in charge of the various agencies in the region, had noticed several social evils these mal-practices immediately occupied the attention of distinguished British Officers.

The Chapters follow discussion about the British impact and reforms among Rajput Society. This will also be considered that social reforms have awakened the sleeping spirit of the elite class. During the 19 century some attempts began to remove the evils of the society. These reforms brought the changes in all the groups of the society but some evil practices continued illegally. The Society was bound with traditions but British influence had attempted to bring change in it. It also gives information about the contribution of modern education in non-parallel transition phase in society. Therefore, the society fragmented into two sections.