Rajputs Empire

A Rajput is a member of northern India's Hindu warrior caste. They live mainly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The word "Rajput" is a contracted form of raja, or "monarch," and Putra, meaning "son." According to legend, only the first son of a king could inherit the kingdom, so the later sons became military leaders. From these younger sons was born the Rajput warrior caste. The term "Rajaputra" was first mentioned around 300 B.C., in the Bhagvat Purana. The name gradually evolved to its current shortened form.