Explanation: The Rajputs were a prominent group of warrior clans in medieval India who ruled various kingdoms across the region. Despite their shared identity and common heritage, the Rajputs were often divided by internal rivalries and conflicts, which prevented them from forming a united front against external threats.
The assertion that the Rajputs were not united among themselves is true. This disunity was a significant factor in their inability to effectively resist the invasions and conquests by external powers, such as the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughals. The lack of unity among the Rajputs was a result of several factors, including the fragmented nature of their political structure, the absence of a central authority, and the prevalence of personal ambitions and rivalries among the various Rajput clans.
The reason provided—that mutual rivalry was a cause of their disunity—is also true and correctly explains the assertion. The Rajput clans were often engaged in power struggles and territorial disputes with each other, which led to a lack of cooperation and coordination. This mutual rivalry was a significant obstacle to the formation of a united Rajput front, as each clan was more concerned with its own interests and power than with the collective well-being of the Rajputs as a whole.
The mutual rivalry among the Rajputs was a manifestation of the broader political fragmentation that characterized medieval India. The absence of a strong central authority and the prevalence of regional powers and local chieftains contributed to the lack of unity among the Rajputs. This disunity was a critical factor in their eventual decline and the rise of other powers in the region.
In conclusion, the correct answer is (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. The assertion that the Rajputs were not united among themselves is true, and the reason provided—that mutual rivalry was a cause of their disunity—is also true and correctly explains the assertion. Understanding the historical context of the Rajputs and the factors that contributed to their disunity is essential for comprehending the political landscape of medieval India.