Views regarding the Origin of the Rsyputs:
1. Agnivanshiye:
In Prithviraj Raso, Chand Bardai supports the view that the four Rajput dynasties; Pratihar, Parmar, Chalukya and Chauhan emerged from the flames of the sacrificial fire lit by Rishi Vashisht, in order to destroy demons. The Bhatas continued to propagate this view between 16th to 18th centuries. Muhan Nainsi and Suryamall Misan further highlighted it. This fire born view does not seem to be practical and true. Gauri Shankar Hirachand Ojha, C. V. Vaidhya, Dasarath Sharma and Pswari Prasad have rejected this view as unfounded and baseless.
2. Suryavanshi and Chandravanshi:
In support of his views that the Rajputs are the descendants of the ancient Khashtriya, Gauri Shankar Hirachand Ojha has cited proofs from many rockinscriptions and literary scriptures. It is considered to be the most popularly held view.
3. Shaka and Sithiyan Clans:
Col. James Tod, the well-known historian of Rajputana has traced the origin of the Rajputs to the Shaka and Sithiyan clans. In support of his view he has referred to many customs and traditions having resemblance to the Shaka customs, such as Suiya worship, Satipratha, Ashwamedh Yajna, use of alcoholic drinks, worship of horses, tools, etc. William Cook also supported Col Tod’s views.
On the contrary Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha rejected this view on the ground that the customs, traditions and conventions to which Col. Tod has referred were prevalent in India from the times immemorial and he has justified his view on the basis of the Vedic and Pauranic samaj and culture. Hence it is unjustified, according to him, to trace the origin of the Rajputs to the foreign clans as Shakas, Kushans and Hunes.
4. Foreign Race or Clan:
Dr. D.R. Bhandarkar advocates that the Rajputs were Guijars and were related to the White Huns, hence they had foreign origin. In support of his views he has quoted references from the Purans. In his opinion Aganivanshi Pratihars, Parmars Chalukya and Chauhans were also Gurjars because in the Raj ore archives the Pratihars are mentioned as the Gurjars. Similarly he has tried to trace origin of some of the Rajputs to the Brahamas on the basis of citations from the Bijolia rock inscriptions. Thus there is no uniformity of views regarding the origin of the Rajputs, but Dr. Ojha’s views are generally acceptable. Undoubtedly, the Rajputs are the Indians.
