Geographical and culturally diverse country like India, regional studies have yet not got the attention they deserve. Mewat: Folklore Memory History is an attempt to study the hitherto understudied research. Being near to the two capitals Delhi and Agra, the region comprises parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The people are known as 'Mewatis' who are scattered allover the country. Many of them are also settled outside India, in Pakistan particular.
The present work is a collection of different research articles mostly published in the journals of International recognition and attempt to illuminate some aspects of the life and conditions of the people of Mewat. The region though has played a signficant role in Indian History since the time of Mahabharta, the people have continued to suffer in the hands of the Hindu as well as Muslim rulers. They struggled for their survival throughout the centuries till the Khanzadas took over the reins of Mewat.
The Khanzadas played a very important role in the then politics of Delhi court during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and had become the king-makers at Delhi. They also fought against Babur, sided with Rana Sanga in the battle of Khanua under the leadership of Hasan Khan Mewati. Numerous buildings in the region stand mute witness to their cultural heritage. The Mewati played a significant role in the revolt of 1857 and were punished severely by the British. The author has provided a very well written survey of the region and raised certain questions to be re-considered in the context of contemporary debates. |
