Royalty in Transition: The Changing Face of the Rajput Woman in Rajasthan

Historically and traditionally, the Rajputs have formed the ruling class of Rajasthan. They dominated the social and political scenario as rulers of various princely states and thikanas. Rajput feudal society has been the most conservative of structures. The rigidity of the society and of Rajput customs is credited to the uncertainties hovering over the lives of this martial race. Chastity, honour and the prestige of Rajput women were synonymous with family prestige. The norms governing Rajput women have been very strict since time immemorial. This book takes an insightful look at the basic social institutions of upper-class Rajput society. It traces the changes that took place in social institutions in the nineteenth century, the effects of the various factors of change, and the final emergence of the society in the present context with a changed perspective. The emphasis is to highlight the positive changes in Rajput society which have contributed in bringing about a transformation in the attitudes towards women.