Which dynasties ruled parts of Rajasthan before the Rajput period?

Before the rise of the Rajput dynasties in the 7th century, various powers ruled over parts of present-day Rajasthan. Archaeological evidence confirms that the region was under the authority of the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BCE, as indicated by rock inscriptions of the emperor Ashoka found near Bairat.1

Following the Mauryan period, the region was governed by several successive powers:

• Indo-Greek kings: Ruled parts of the area in the 2nd century BCE.1
• Shaka satraps (Scythians): Held control from the 2nd to the 4th century CE.1
• Gupta dynasty: Exercised rule from the early 4th to the late 6th century.1
• Hephthalites (Hunas): Controlled parts of the region in the 6th century.1
• Harsha (Harshavardhana): Ruled in the early 7th century.1

The subsequent emergence of Rajput clans is often associated with the integration of these earlier tribal leaders and invading groups into the social structure of northern India following the decline of the Gupta Empire.123