Sources of Socio-Economic History of Rajasthan and Malwa (An Old Book)

The Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur was established in the year 1972 within the premises of Mehrangarh Fort, itself a monument of historical and architectural interest. Students of history are well aware of the importance of the Fort and that of the Rathore Rulers of Marwar and their role in the history of Rajputana and India. The objects displayed in various sections of the museum serve as vivid reminders not only of their bravery and sacrifice but also of their life style and their contribution to the arts, crafts, music and literature of Marwar

The Mehrangarh Museum Trust aims at bringing to light various other aspects of historical, cultural and social significance of Marwar and Rajputana, through research from original source-material and vernacular literature, in order to highlight the socio-economic conditions of the people of this region.

In order to fulfil these objectives, the Maharaja Mansingh Pustak Prakash Research Centre has been incorporated in the Trust, which apart from providing research facilities in its library of rare manuscripts has reprinted and published some important works for general distribution. To further our objectives and to reach out to a broader field of scholars and researchers, we have collaborated with various other institutions engaged in similar activities, including the Jodhpur University, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR).

Through the patronage of the ICHR the Trust was given the opportunity of organising an important seminar on "Sources of Socio-Economic History of Rajasthan and Malwa from mid 17th to early 19th century". The seminar was widely attended by eminent scholars and personalities who came from all over India and was convened by Dr. Narayan Singh Bhati, our Hon. Director, himself an authority on sources of medieval history.

We are happy to publish in this book some of the selected papers read in the three-day seminar, with the kind assistance of ICHR. I hope this book will lead to a better understanding of the life of the people of this region and inspire scholars to further identify and research un-tapped existing source-material which has yet to be presented to the public at large.

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