Genealogical tree. In early times, a family's history of dates of birth, deaths, and important events, was not recorded in writing but passed down by word of mouth, usually by bards. This ultimately proved dangerous in that not all vital information was deemed essential or, if it was mentioned, more often than not it was embellished with the bard's own sense of historical importance or romanticism. Therefore when the written record of ancestral lineage (the genealogical tree) was introduced, it became of enormous significance not only to princes but also at every level of Hindu society, because "your blood loyalties in India are colossally important". Again, bards were often employed to put together these important documents. Keeping such records also reinforced the hereditary principle whereby "a mahant (priest) normally takes over his father's duties, the son of a Muslim pir will look after the tomb that his father has looked after, and the son of a baniya (money-lender) takes over that function". The genealogy tree particularly applied to princes wherein the heir was destined to become the king: Raja ka ladka hai-a king's son is a king. See also BARDS.

Genealogy: see GENEALOGICAL TREE.

General Hospital, Udaipur; built by Maharana Bhupal Singh after Independence. Originally, its name was Willingdon Hospital; later it became the General Hospital.

Genghis (Changej, Chingis, Jinghiz) Khan, a Mongol warlord who invaded North India in 1211. The forces of Delhi's Sultan AIBAK repelled him, this action giving Mewar a brief respite from warfare with the northern Muslims.

Ghanerao, a town north of Udaipur and a thikana of the Mertia Rathores in Godwar.

Ghantaghar Road, Udaipur; a bazaar that is a fabric-lover's paradise, it features fabrics made in Udaipur and Rajasthan in general.

Ghas Ghar, a cavernous stone barn just below Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur. Here, hay was stored for horses and elephants. In 1999, it was completely renovated and now houses an emporium. There is also exhibition space for Arts and Crafts to promote the work of local artisans.

Ghee-tel-baori, Chittorgarh; a step well behind the KUMBH SHYAM TEMPLE on the eastern perimeter of the fort. It is thought that ghee and oil were once stored here for use in the nearby temples.

Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban, commander of Delhi Sultan Nasir-ud-Din's armies, who renewed the Sultanate's raids into Rajputana during the reign of Rawal TEJ SINGH (1261-1267).

Ghiyas-ud-Din, Sultan, of Malwa, who aided Maharana Udai Singh I retake the Mewar throne he had usurped by murdering his father, Maharana Kumbha. However, Crown Prince RAIMAL, who was in exile, defeated the rebel force. However, Raimal's troubles with Ghiyas-ud-Din continued into his reign, with the Malwa sultan making several unsuccessful attempts to annexe Mewar land. The Sultan also joined forces with the rebels, SARANGDEO and SURAJMAL, in a further (unsuccessful) attempt to overthrow the Maharana.

Ghor, Ghorid: see GHUR, GHURID.

Ghurid (Ghur) Dynasty (1186-1206). In Afghanistan, when the GHAZNI dynasty came to an end, its place was taken by the Ghur dynasty, so called after the city of Ghur, situated about 144 km. north of Kabul. The Islamic invader, MOHAMMED OF GHUR led several devastating raids into India and did battle with a Rajput confederacy that included an army from Mewar. At the Battle of TARAIN (1192), he soundly defeated the Rajputs, which led to the establishment of Muslim rule in North India. See also DELHI SULTANATES. Note: Ghor and Ghorid are also frequently used spellings.

Gilund, an important archaeological site on the right bank of the Banas River in Rajsamand District; excavated by Shri B.B. Lal. See also ARCHAEOLOGY.

Girdhar Gopal, Lord Krishna as a cowherd.

Girdhari Singh. There were a couple of leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Rampura (Mertia), and Sanwar (Ranawat).

Girvar Singh of MANGROP, a descendant of Maharana PRATAP SINGH I through his eleventh son, Puranmal.

Girwa, (Hindi) the circle, the valley in the Aravalli range in which Udaipur is situated (see RAJ SINGH I vs. AURANGZEB). Also a town north of Udaipur just off the Nathdwara road.