Around 12th century Ad the Rajputs occupied vast territories including present day Jaipur, Ranthambore, Mewar, part of Bundi, Ajmer, Kishangarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and even, at one time, Delhi. The Branches of the Chauhans ruled territories known as Ananta (in present day Shekhawati) and Saptasatabhumi.

These Rajput kingdoms come into conflict with Muslim invaders at different stages of their evolution some of them lost their independence while others held against the enemies. The Muslim invaders as also those who established their rule in India realized that the Rajputs, universally known for their valour, courage and martial spirit would not easily be subdued by military might alone.

The Rajputs are passionately attached to their land family and honour and are known for their indomitable courage, chivalry and utmost regard for truth. The Rajput history is replete with instances of heroism and self sacrifice both by the princes and the peasantry. There are innumerable heroes that stand out. However, some of them are legendry like Prithvi Raj Chauhan. He had succeeded to the kingdom of Delhi and Ajmer and had established a great reputation for chivalry and heroic exploits. He was attacked by Muhammad Ghori who commanded a large and powerful army. Both the armies met at the battle of Tarain in 1191 AD. The Rajputs charged the enemy with tremendous rigour, which scattered in all directions in sheer panic. Muhammad Ghori was serious wounded and carried off the battle field for safety of his life. The Muslim army retreated and fled. Never before had they experienced such a terrible rout. Muhammed Ghori ws licking his wounds. He organized another attack in 1192 AD at the same place, with a much larger force. The Rajputs were outmanoeuvred by the superior tactics of the Muslims invaders and lost the battle. Prithvi Raj Chauhan died following his defeat

Another shining example is of Rana Pratap of Mewar, an embodiment of courage,bravery and fortitude, who endeavoured ceaselessly to redeem the honour of his race and defied the mighty Mughal emperor, Akbar who was militarily the strongest and the richest ruler of his time. He continued to raid the Mughal territory time and again despite heavy odds and betrayal of his kith and kin, who vied with one another to enhance the glory of Mughal empire. He opposed the Mughals till his this death in 1597

His son Amar Singh succeeded in 1599, Mewar was invaded by the Mughal army under command of Prince Salim and Raja Man Singh. Amar Singh bravely led the attack but was defeated due to superior might of the Mughal army. Mewar was devastated by the imperialists.

Wise and far sighted that he was, Akbar realized the importance of support, cooperation and allegiance of the Rajputs and consequently, engineered matrimonial alliances with them in order to accomplish his objective of expanding and consolidating the empire. Akbar could not afford to ignore the brave Rajputs as these men who were capable of being formidable enemies, could also be cajoled to be his stead fast and loyal friends.

Many princely states continued to maintain their autonomy despite allegiance to a central authority at Delhi even during the British rule.

In April of the same year, Udaipur joined the State and the Maharana of Udaipur was made Rajpramukh. Thus, in 1948 the merger of south and southeastern States was almost complete. Still retaining their independence were Jaipur and the desert kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. From security point of view, it was vital to the Indian Union to ensure that the desert kingdoms were integrated into the new nation. The princes finally agreed to sign the Instrument of Accession, and the kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur were merged in March 1949. This time, the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Man Singh II, was made the Rajpramukh of the State and Jaipur became its capital. Later in 1949, the United State of Matsya, comprising the former kingdoms of Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli and Dholpur, was incorporated into Rajasthan. On January 26, 1950, 18 states of united Rajasthan merged with Sirohi to form the State leaving Abu and Delwara to remain a part of Greater Bombay and now Gujarat.

In November 1956 under the States Re-organisation Act, the erstwhile part 'C' State of Ajmer – Abu Road Taluka, former part of princely State, Sirohi (which were merged in former Bombay State) and Sunel Tappa region of the former Madhya Bharat merged with Rajasthan. Today with further reorganisation of the States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, Rajasthan has become territorially the largest State of the Indian Republic.