The Rajput polity had the following main features:

1. Small kingdoms:
The period between 1000-1200 A.D. is usually referred to as the Rajput period of
Indian history. During the period several independent states came to be
established. There was no strong central authority in India that could weld
together into a strong unit. Some of these kingdoms were quite extensive and
powerful. Multan and Sindh constituted the two Arab (Muslim) states of India.
In the north-west was the Hindushahi kingdom whose ruler at the time of Mahmud was
Jayapala. Kashmir was also an independent state. Others were Rajput states. Among
the important ones were the Chauhans of Ajmer and Delhi, the Gahadavallas or
Rathors of Kanauj, the Chandellas of Bundelkhand, the Guhilas or Sisodiyas of
Mewar, the Paramars of Malwa, the Pratiharas of Kanauj and the Palas of Bengal. The
Rashtrakutas of Malkhid (Deccan), the Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Cholas of
Tanjore ruled over several parts of South India.

2. Mutual hostility and jealousy:

Mostly all the Rajput kingdoms indulged in warfare with their neighbours. Each
powerful Rajput state was inspired by expansionist and imperial ambitions. Because
of their internal conflicts none of them could utilize its entire resources nor
they could unite themselves against Turkish invaders.The Rajputs fell prey to
jealousy and indulged in mutual hostilities in the form of warfare.

3. Feudal organization:
The political organisation of the Rajputs was based on the feudal system. The king
allotted land to the Jagirdars who were the feudal lords or nobles. They paid the
king fixed annual revenue and rendered military service in the time of need or any
crisis or war.
The Jagirdars or nobles usually belonged to the family of the ruler. They had their
own ambitions also. They further allotted some portion of the land to sub-
jagirdars. This system proved to be defective. It all depended on the ruler how he
exercised his control over the jagirdars and infused in them a sense of loyalty to
him.

If there was a weak ruler on the throne, these feudal nobles would tend to declare
their independence or would quarrel among themselves due to mutual jealousies.The
feudal lords became powerful and the power of the provincial armies lay in their
hands which they misused. No doubt the Rajputs were brave, courageous, chivalours,
loyal and patriotic but they lacked political insight and were too proud to join
hands to save a frontier kingdom under the fatal grip of a foreign invader.

Their insensitivity and personal animosity blocked their mind though they were
quick to show their generosity and mercy to an unarmed enemy or one who sought
their shelter. Since the army of a Rajput ruler was constituted by collecting the
armies of his feudal chiefs, it lacked cohesion, unity of command and military
skill and strategy.

4.Rajput Polity Responsible for their own failure:

According to Dr. Ishwari Prasad, �There was no dearth of military talent or
fighting skill in the country, for the Rajputs were the finest soldiers scarcely
inferior in the qualities of courage, valour and endurance to men of any other
country. But they lacked unity and organisation. Pride and prejudice alike forbade
obedience to a common leader and in critical moments when concentrated action was
essential for a victory, they renewed their individual plans and thus neutralised
the advantages they possessed over the enemies.�

There were mutual fights among the Pratiharas of Kanauj, the Palas of Bengal and
Rashtrakutas of the Deccan. Constant wars had crippled their strength and
resources. They had grown very weak.
Prithviraj Chauhan and Jaichand were great enemies. There may be some exaggeration
in the remarks made by Chandbardai �Ninety out of a hundred of Prithviraj�s
�Sumantas� chiefs or generals fell in his conflicts with Jaichand on account of his
carrying away Samyuka� but the moral of this episode is very clear. All these
factors weakened the defence of India.

5.Rigid Caste System:

The Rajput monarchs were patrons of Brahmanism and were staunch supporters of caste
system.They treated their subjects of lower castes very harshly and these subjects
were not allowed to join army in spite of their abilities.This acted as a sort of
barrier for those competent youth who could join the army and serve the kingdom.The
Rajputs looked down upon the low castes and exercised untouchability.

6.Absence of strong Central Authority:

The kingdoms suffered immensely from te absence of strong central authority in
spite of the fact that they part of the kingdom.

7.Constant competition and warfare

8.Internal conflicts

9.Warfare seen as a sport and strict rules followed in wars

10.Lack of Unity:
The Rajput rulers failed to present a united front against an enemy that had made
India as a target. Had the Rajput rulers forgotten their differences against the
common danger and combined together, the history of India would have been written
altogether in a different manner.