Rajput identity through history

The dictionary meaning of "Rajput" from Random House Dictionary, 2014:

member of a Hindu people claiming descent from the ancient Kshatriya, or warrior caste, and noted for their military spirit.

equivalent to Sanskrit rāj king + putra son

and from Collins English Dictionary, 2012:

one of a Hindu military caste claiming descent from the Kshatriya, the original warrior caste
from Hindi, from Sanskrit rājan king

History text books in India, sanctioned by the government ordained NCERT, state:

The period after the 7th century AD was characterized by the growth of ruling clans especially in Rajasthan and these have been categorized as Rajput. The rise of Rajputs has been analysed through a study of the genealogies found in contemporary inscriptions.

From the 7th century to the 21st century, the Rajputs have expanded, suffered calamities, enjoyed victories, and eventually survived as one of many Indian communities. A history as long as that gave rise to many disputes between Indian historians and European historians, between leftists and nationalists, over the origins of Rajputs and their role in history. But whether someone is anti-Rajput, pro-Rajput, or ignorant about Rajputs; there are some things about Rajput history that all such people are in agreement over.

1. Rajput identity originates in Rajasthan
2. Rajput history, Rajput culture, and Rajput folklore cannot be discussed without Rajasthan.
3. Rajput military and political power was for long centered in Rajasthan.

It has been the fashion among people to propound generic theories about Rajputs in the context of Indian History circa 7th century. But in the light of the above agreed points, it would be far more productive to look at the history of Rajasthan in the proto-Rajput period.