Mewar, a historical state of Rajasthan in India that holds immense significance due to its culture and the bravery, is a region that has engrained rich history through its myriad of rulers over the years. Mewar brings to mind valiant warriors, crafts, and a history that is rich in beauty. Mewar History has multiple aspects to it, which are fascinating. Let’s start from the beginning, area of Mewat.
What is Mewar?
Mewar is derived from Meda, which corresponds to tribal and Pata, which means land or area; thus, the phrase Medapata refers specifically to an area wherein people belonging to the same or similar tribes reside.
Mewar is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, making the scenery utterly breathtaking. It is also rich in varied geography, encompassing plain regions, valleys, and rivers such as Banas and Chambal.
Mewar has always been known as a historical, artistic and cultural place. It has given birth to many notable people, including Meerabai, known for her devotion, and Maharana Pratap, known for his bravery.
The Ancient Names of Mewar
Over time, Mewar has been called by many names. Each name tells a unique story about its history and geography.
Aharik: This is named after the Ahar, the capital of the Guhila dynasty that flourished between the 10th and 13th centuries. There are monumental self-indulgent structures and the archaeological museum in Ahar.
Arbudanchal: Also known as Arbuda, Mount Abu is the highest peak of the Aravali range. The people of Mewar also worshipped a serpent god called Arbuda.
Girwa: The word Girwa appears to have been derived from “Girivar,” which refers to a hilly region. It was a widespread term for the area around Udaipur, which is said to have been the hub of the Mewar Empire.
Kokila: The word “Kokila,” which means cuckoo bird, served as the inspiration for this name. It was a reference to Mewar’s former dense forest cover.
Sisoda: The Sisodia dynasty originated in the village of Sisoda, which is close to Nathdwara. The Sisodia clan’s rulers rose to fame as Mewar’s valiant guardians.
Other names like Medpat, Pragwaat, and Shivi Janpad also reflect Mewar’s ancient history.
The Glorious Legacy of Mewar
From the eighth to the fourteenth centuries, the Guhila dynasty dominated Mewar. The Suryavanshi Guhilas were renowned for their bravery and devotion to their homeland.
The Battle of Haldighati made Maharana Pratap, one of Mewar’s most famous monarchs, a symbol of valour. He battled to save his people and refused to submit to the powerful Mughal Emperor Akbar. People are still motivated by his tale today.
Mewar is one of the oldest kingdoms in the world, according to historian Muhammad Qasim Farishta, whose monarchs predated the advent of Islam.
Why Learn About Mewar’s History?
There is more to Mewar’s history than just monarchs and conflicts. It is a tale of pride, culture, and power. Its historic names transport us back in time, and its valiant kings serve as a reminder of bravery and selflessness.
Learning about Mewar reveals a region whose rich culture and heroic legends have inspired people all across the world.
The history of Mewar offers a wealth of tales of courage, devotion, and artistic creation. We are reminded of its illustrious past by its ancient names, such as Aharik, Arbudanchal, and Girwa. Mewar has made a lasting impression on history, from the bravery of Maharana Pratap to the splendour of Udaipur.
Stay tuned for the next blog in the Mewar series to discover more amazing stories from its history!
