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Why was Rajasthan formerly known as Rajputana?

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Map highlighting the Indian state of Rajasthan in orange, located in the northwest of India with its capital Jaipur marked. Surrounding countries including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka are shown, along with major bodies of water such as the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. — Rajasthan Rajasthan, India.

Rajasthan was formerly known as Rajputana, a name that translates to "land of the Rajputs".12

The region earned this designation because it was primarily composed of princely states ruled by Rajputs—a warrior-ruling class that began entering the area in the 7th century. Before India achieved independence in 1947, the region consisted of approximately two dozen princely states and chiefships, along with the British-administered province of Ajmer-Merwara.1324

Following independence, these states were integrated in stages into the Indian union. The name was subsequently changed to Rajasthan, which means "The Abode of the Rajas" (princes), reflecting the region's historical composition of various princely domains.2