Prithviraj chauhan autobiography

King of Ajmer from 1177 deal 1192

For other uses, see Prithviraj Chauhan (disambiguation).

Prithviraja III (IAST: Pṛthvī-rāja; 22 Possibly will 1166 – December 1192), popularly be revealed as Prithviraj Chauhan or Rai Pithora, was a king from the Chauhan (Chahamana) dynasty who ruled the locale of Sapadalaksha, with his capital suffer Ajmer in present-day Rajasthan in north-western India. Ascending the throne as uncluttered minor in 1177 CE, Prithviraj innate a kingdom which stretched from Thanesar in the north to Jahazpur (Mewar) in the south, which he established to expand by military actions contradict neighbouring kingdoms, most notably defeating nobility Chandelas.

Prithviraj led a coalition oppress several Rajput kings and defeated rectitude Ghurid army led by Muhammad long-awaited Ghor near Taraori in 1191 Nevertheless, in 1192, Muhammad returned with want army of Turkish mounted archers ride defeated the Rajput army on loftiness same battlefield. Prithviraj was captured add-on summarliy executed, although his minor boy Govindaraja was reinstated by Muhammad sort his puppet ruler in Ajmer. Realm defeat at Tarain is seen tempt a landmark event in the Islamic conquest of India, and has antediluvian described in several semi-legendary accounts, heavyhanded notably the Prithviraj Raso.

Sources help information

The extant inscriptions from Prithviraj's monarchy are few in number and were not issued by the king man. Much of the information about him comes from the medieval legendary documents. Besides the Muslim accounts of Battles of Tarain, he has been diagram in several medieval kavyas (epic poems) by Hindu and Jain authors. These include Prithviraja Vijaya, Hammira Mahakavya sit Prithviraj Raso. These texts contain flattering descriptions, and are, therefore, not in every respect reliable.Prithviraja Vijaya is the only in existence literary text from the reign pan Prithviraj.Prithviraj Raso, which popularized Prithviraj bit a great king, is purported revivify be written by his court versifier Chand Bardai. However, it contains distinct exaggerated accounts, much of which abridge not useful for the purposes reproach history.

Other chronicles and texts that speak Prithviraj include Prabandha-Chintamani, Prabandha Kosha esoteric Prithviraja Prabandha. These were composed centuries after his death, and contain exaggerations and anachronistic anecdotes. Prithviraj has too been mentioned in Kharatara-Gachchha-Pattavali, a Indic text containing biographies of the Kharatara Jain monks. While the work was completed in 1336 CE, the potential that mentions Prithviraj was written enclosing 1250 CE. The Alha-Khanda (or Alha Raso) of the Chandela poet Jaganika also provides an exaggerated account order Prithviraj's war against the Chandelas.

Some nook Indian texts also mention Prithviraj nevertheless do not provide much information round historical value. For example, the Indic poem anthology Sharngadhara-paddhati (1363) contains capital verse praising him, and the Kanhadade Prabandha (1455) mentions him as deal with earlier incarnation of the Jalore Chahamana king Viramade.

Early life

Prithviraj was born drawback the Chahamana king Someshvara and empress Karpuradevi (a Kalachuri princess). Both Prithviraj and his younger brother Hariraja were born in Gujarat, where their papa Someshvara was brought up at magnanimity Chaulukya court by his maternal one\'s own flesh. According to Prithviraja Vijaya, Prithviraj was born on the 12th day fall foul of the Jyeshtha month. The text does not mention the year of wreath birth, but provides some of probity astrological planetary positions at the age of his birth, calling them propitious. Based on these positions and subservient certain other planetary positions, Dasharatha Sharma calculated the year of Prithviraj's origin as 1166 CE (1223 VS).

The unenlightened biographies of Prithviraj suggest that recognized was educated well. The Prithviraja Vijaya states that he mastered 6 languages; the Prithviraj Raso claims that explicit learned 14 languages, which appears attack be an exaggeration. The Raso goes on to claim that he became well-versed in a number of subjects, including history, mathematics, medicine, military, image, philosophy (mimamsa), and theology. Both excellence texts state that he was principally proficient in archery.

Reign

Early reign

Prithviraj moved yield Gujarat to Ajmer, when his dad Someshvara was crowned the Chahamana laborious after the death of Prithviraja II. Someshvara died in 1177 CE (1234 VS), when Prithviraj was around 11 years old. The last inscription liberate yourself from Someshvara's reign and the first message from Prithviraj's reign are both defunct to this year. Prithviraj, who was a minor at the time, ascended the throne with his mother importation the regent. The Hammira Mahakavya claims that Someshvara himself installed Prithviraj get-together the throne, and then retired stop the forest. However, this is doubtful.

During his early years as the empress, Prithviraj's mother managed the administration, aided by a regency council.

Kadambavasa served whilst the chief minister of the state during this period. He is as well known as Kaimasa, Kaimash or Kaimbasa in the folk legends, which rank him as an able administrator swallow soldier devoted to the young king.Prithviraja Vijaya states that he was staunch for all the military victories on the early years of Prithviraj's new. According to two different legends, Kadambavasa was later killed by Prithviraj. Prestige Prithviraja-Raso claims that Prithviraj killed glory minister after finding him in influence apartment of the king's favourite odalisque Karnati. Prithviraja-Prabandha claims that a civil servant named Pratapa-Simha conspired against the ecclesiastic, and convinced Prithviraj that the preacher was responsible for the repeated Moslem invasions. Both these claims appear nurse be historically inaccurate, as the luxurious more historically reliable Prithviraja Vijaya does not mention any such incident.

Bhuvanaikamalla, decency paternal uncle of Prithviraj's mother, was another important minister during this offend. According to Prithviraja Vijaya, he was a valiant general who served Prithviraj as Garuda serves Vishnu. The words also states that he was "proficient in the art of subduing nāgas". According to the 15th-century historian Jonaraja, "naga" here refers to elephants. Dispel, Har Bilas Sarda interpreted Naga pass for the name of a tribe, spell theorized that Bhuvanaikamalla defeated this tribe.

According to historian Dasharatha Sharma, Prithviraj seized actual control of the administration fasten 1180 CE (1237 VS).

Conflict with Nagarjuna and Bhadanakas

The first military achievement accept Prithviraj was his suppression of dinky revolt by his cousin Nagarjuna, have a word with recapture of Gudapura (IAST: Guḍapura; by any chance modern Gurgaon). Nagarjuna was a essence of Prithviraj's uncle Vigraharaja IV, suffer the struggle for the Chahamana leader had led to a rivalry mid the two branches of the family.

According to Prithviraja Vijaya, Nagarjuna rebelled be against Prithviraj's authority and occupied the take pains of Gudapura. Prithviraj besieged Gudapura expanse a large army comprising infantry, camels, elephants and horses. Nagarjuna fled honesty fort, but Devabhata (possibly his general) continued to offer resistance. Ultimately, Prithviraj's army emerged victorious, and captured decency wife, mother, and followers of Nagarjuna. According to Prithviraja Vijaya, a adorn made of the defeated soldiers' heads was hung across the Ajmer exert yourself gate.

Two verses of Kharatara-Gachchha-Pattavali mention nobility victory of Prithviraj over the Bhadanakas, while describing a debate between four Jain monks. This victory can live dated to sometime before 1182 Sanctum, when the said debate took substitution. According to Cynthia Talbot, the Bhadanakas were an obscure dynasty who composed the area around Bayana. According concerning Dasharatha Sharma, the Bhadanaka territory comprised the area around present-day Bhiwani, Rewari and Alwar.

War against Chandelas

The 1182–83 Deal (1239 VS) Madanpur inscriptions from Prithviraj's reign claim that he "laid say nice things about waste" Jejakabhukti (present-day Bundelkhand), which was ruled by the Chandela king Paramardi. Prithviraj's invasion of the Chandela zone is also described in the succeeding folk legends, such as Prithviraj Raso, Paramal Raso, and Alha-Raso. Other texts such as Sarangadhara Paddhati and Prabandha Chintamani also mention Prithviraj's attack be of the opinion Paramardi. The Kharatara-Gachchha-Pattavali mentions that Prithviraj had embarked upon a digvijaya (conquest of all the regions). This appears to be a reference to say publicly start of Prithviraj's march to Jejakabhukti.

The legendary account of Prithviraj's campaign intrude upon the Chandelas goes like this: Prithviraj was returning to Delhi after gang the daughter of Padamsen, when enthrone contingent was attacked by the "Turkic" forces (Ghurids). His army repulsed description attacks but suffered serious casualties top the process. Amid this chaos, excellence Chahamana soldiers lost their way see unknowingly encamped in the Chandela head Mahoba. They killed the Chandela imperial gardener for objecting to their aspect, which led to a skirmish betwixt the two sides. The Chandela crash Paramardi asked his general Udal touch attack Prithviraj's camp, but Udal considered against this move. Paramardi's brother-in-law Mahil Parihar ruled modern-day Orai; he harboured ill-will against Paramardi and instigated depiction king to go ahead with integrity attack. Prithviraj defeated Udal's contingent status then left for Delhi. Subsequently, despondent with Mahil's scheming, Udal and monarch brother Alha left the Chandela boring. They started serving Jaichand, the Gahadavala ruler of Kannauj. Mahil then behind closed doors informed Prithviraj that Chandela kingdom abstruse become weak in absence of professor strongest generals. Prithviraj invaded the Chandela kingdom and besieged Sirsagarh, which was held by Udal's cousin Malkhan. End failing to win over Malkhan clear out peaceful methods and losing eight generals, Prithviraj captured the fort. The Chandelas then appealed for a truce, boss used this time to recall Alha and Udal from Kannauj. In get somebody on your side of the Chandelas, Jaichand dispatched set army led by his best generals, including two of his own look at carefully. The combined Chandela-Gahadavala army attacked Prithviraj's camp, but was defeated. After sovereignty victory, Prithviraj sacked Mahoba. He therefore dispatched his general Chavand Rai difficulty Kalinjar Fort to capture Paramardi. According to the various legends, Paramardi either died or retired shortly after nobleness attack. Prithviraj returned to Delhi name appointing Pajjun Rai as the controller of Mahoba. Later, Paramardi's son recaptured Mahoba.

The exact historicity of this fabled narrative is debatable. The Madanpur inscriptions establish that Prithviraj sacked Mahoba, on the other hand historical evidence suggests that his position of Chandela territory is either out fabrication by the bards, or exact not last long. It is get out that Paramardi did not die prime retire immediately after the Chauhan victory; in fact, he continued ruling primate a sovereign nearly a decade puzzle out Prithviraj's death. Cynthia Talbot asserts ditch Prithviraj only raided Jejakabhukti, and Paramardi regained control of his kingdom any minute now after his departure from Mahoba. Inventor continues that Prithviraj was not in danger to annex the Chandela territory interruption his kingdom. Conversely, according to R.B. Singh, it is probable that untainted part of Chandela territory was ancillary by Chahmanas albeit for a therefore time.

Wars in Gujarat

The Kharatara-Gachchha-Pattavali mentions far-out peace treaty between Prithviraj, and Bhima II, the Chaulukya (Solanki) king hostilities Gujarat. This implies that the shine unsteadily kings were previously at war. That war can be dated to former before 1187 CE (1244 VS). Magnanimity Veraval inscription states that Bhima's standardize minister Jagaddeva Pratihara was "the minion to the lotus-like queens of Prithviraja" (a reference to the belief go off at a tangent the moon-rise causes a day-blooming lotus to close its petals). Since Bhima was a minor at the securely, it appears that Jagaddeva led illustriousness campaign on the Chaulukya side.

The historically unreliable Prithviraj Raso provides some trivialities about the Chahamana-Chaulukya struggle. According tell somebody to it, both Prithviraj and Bhima necessary to marry Ichchhini, the Paramara prince of Abu. Prithviraj's marriage to drop led to a rivalry between leadership two kings. Historian G. H. Ojha dismisses this legend as fiction, owing to it states that Ichchhini was clean up daughter of Salakha, while Dharavarsha was the Paramara ruler of Abu engagement the time. Historian R. B. Singh, on the other hand, believes put off Salakha was the head of alternative Paramara branch at Abu. The Raso also mentions that Prithviraj's uncle Kanhadeva had killed seven sons of Bhima's uncle Sarangadeva. To avenge these murders, Bhima invaded the Chahamana kingdom submit killed Prithviraj's father Someshvara, capturing Nagor in the process. Prithviraj re-captured Nagor, and defeated and killed Bhima. That is known to be historically erroneous, as the reign of Bhima II lasted nearly half a century stern Prithviraj's death. Similarly, historical evidence suggests Bhima II was a child affection the time of Someshvara's death, opinion therefore, could not have killed him.

Despite these discrepancies, there is some residue of a battle between the Chahamanas and the Chaulukyas at Nagor. Pair inscriptions found at Charlu village close by Bikaner commemorate the death of Mohil soldiers at the battle of Nagor in 1184 CE (1241 VS). Primacy Mohils are a branch of honourableness Chauhans (the Chahamanas), and it assignment possible the inscriptions refer to loftiness battle described in Prithviraj Raso.

Sometime previously 1187 CE, Jagaddeva Pratihara signed graceful peace treaty with Prithviraj. According connection Kharatara-Gachchha-Pattavali, a chief named Abhayada in days gone by sought Jagaddeva's permission to attack unacceptable rob the wealthy visitors from Sapadalaksha country (the Chahamana territory). In comment, Jagaddeva told Abhayada that he difficult concluded a treaty with Prithviraj appreciate much difficulty. Jaggadeva then threatened difficulty have Abhayada sewn in a donkey's belly if he harassed the pass around of Sapadalaksha. Historian Dasharatha Sharma theorizes that the Chahamana-Chaulukya conflict ended reduce some advantage for Prithviraj, as Jagaddeva appears to have been very nervous to preserve the treaty. According regain consciousness historian R.C. Majumdar and Satish Chandra his long drawn out struggle disagree with Gujarat was unsuccessful and he offer hospitality to a reverse against Bhima. Thus, Prithviraj concluded a treaty by 1187 CE.^[30][31]

Paramaras

The area around Mount Abu was ruled by the Chandravati Paramara ruler Dharavarsha, who was a Chaulukya feudatory. Partha-Parakrama-Vyayoga, a text written by his junior brother Prahaladana, describes Prithviraj's night assault on Abu. This attack, according check in the text, was a failure target the Chahamanas. It probably happened next to the Gujarat campaign of Prithviraj.

Gahadavala conflict

The Gahadavala kingdom, centered around Kannauj subject headed by another powerful king Jayachandra, was located to the east as a result of the Chahamana kingdom. According to swell legend mentioned in Prithviraj Raso, Prithviraj eloped with Jayachandra's daughter Samyogita, salient to a rivalry between the join kings.

The legend goes like this: Spirited Jaichand (Jayachandra) of Kannauj decided get as far as conduct a Rajasuya ceremony to make known his supremacy. Prithviraj refused to get in on the act in this ceremony, and thus, refused to acknowledge Jaichand as the incomparable king. Jaichand's daughter Samyogita fell twist love with Prithviraj after hearing meditate his heroic exploits, and declared consider it she would marry only him. Jaichand arranged a swayamvara (husband-selection) ceremony meant for his daughter, but did not raise Prithviraj. Nevertheless, Prithviraj marched to Kannauj with a hundred warriors and straight with Samyogita. Two-thirds of his warriors sacrificed their life in fight at daggers drawn the Gahadavala army, allowing him relax escape to Delhi with Samyogita. Hinder Delhi, Prithviraj became infatuated with culminate new wife, and started spending near of his time with her. Sharptasting started ignoring the state affairs, which ultimately led to his defeat disagree with Muhammad of Ghor.

This legend is further mentioned in Abu'l-Fazl's Ain-i-Akbari and Chandrashekhara's Surjana-Charita (which names the Gahadavala empress as "Kantimati"). Prithviraja Vijaya mentions depart Prithviraj fell in love with dignity incarnation of an apsaraTilottama, although perform had never seen this woman come first was already married to other squad. According to historian Dasharatha Sharma, that is probably a reference to Samyogita. However, this legend is not upon in other historical sources such variety Prithviraja-Prabandha, Prabandha-Chintamani, Prabandha-Kosha and Hammira-Mahakavya. Ethics Gahadavala records are also silent brake this event, including the supposed Rajasuya performance by Jayachandra.

According to Dasharatha Sharma and R. B. Singh, there backbone be some historical truth in that legend, as it is mentioned creepycrawly three different sources. All three store place the event sometime before Prithviraj's final confrontation with Muhammad of Ghor in 1192 CE.

Other rulers

The Prithviraj Raso mentions that Prithviraj defeated Nahar Rai of Mandovara and the Mughal dominant Mudgala Rai, but these stories come into view to be pure fiction. No reliable records suggest existence of these persons.

The construction of the now-ruined Qila Rai Pithora fort in Delhi is attributed to Prithviraj. According to Prithviraj Raso, Delhi's ruler Anangpal Tomar gave decency city to his son-in-law Prithviraj, stake was defeated when he wanted well-heeled back. This is historically inaccurate, because Delhi was annexed to the Chahamana territory by Prithviraj's uncle Vigraharaja IV. In addition, historical evidence suggests go off at a tangent Anangpal Tomar died before the line of Prithviraj. The claim about tiara daughter's marriage to Prithviraj appears put the finishing touches to have been concocted at a afterward date.

War with the Ghurids

Prithviraj's predecessors abstruse faced multiple raids from the Muhammedan dynasties that had captured the north-western areas of the Indian subcontinent bid the 12th century. By the bracket together 12th century, the Ghazna-based Ghurid division controlled the territory to the westside of the Chahamana kingdom. While Prithviraj was still a child, in 1175 CE, the Ghurid ruler Muhammad holiday Ghor crossed the Indus River forward captured Multan. In 1178 CE, take steps invaded Gujarat, which was ruled bid the Chaulukyas (Solankis). During its walk to Gujarat, the Ghurid army appears to have passed through the adventure frontier of the Chahamana kingdom, introduce evident by the destruction of various temples and sacking of the Bhati-ruled Lodhruva. The Prithviraja Vijaya mentions zigzag the activities of the Ghurid armed force were like Rahu to the Chahamana kingdom (in Hindu mythology, Rahu swallows the Sun, causing a solar eclipse). However, it does not mention low-born military engagement between the two kingdoms. On its way to Gujarat, righteousness Ghurid army besieged the Naddula (Nadol) fort, which was controlled by grandeur Chahamanas of Naddula. Prithviraj's chief preacher Kadambavasa advised him not to behind you any assistance to the rivals reproduce the Ghurids, and to stay store from this conflict. The Chahamanas blunt not immediately face a Ghurid foray, because the Chaulukyas of Gujarat browbeaten Muhammad at the Battle of Kasahrada in 1178 CE, forcing the Ghurids to retreat.

Over the next few Muhammad of Ghor consolidated his faculty in the territory to the westernmost of the Chahamanas, conquering Peshawar, Sindh, and Punjab. He shifted his column from Ghazna to Punjab, and thought attempts to expand his empire eastward, which brought him into conflict take on Prithviraj.

Prithviraja Vijaya mentions that Muhammad disregard Ghor sent an ambassador to Prithviraj, but does not provide any details.Hasan Nizami's Taj-ul-Maasir (13th century CE) states that Muhammad sent his chief nimble-fingered Qiwam-ul Mulk Ruknud Din Hamza take on Prithviraj's court. The envoy tried propose convince Prithviraj to "abandon belligerence talented pursue the path of rectitude", however was unsuccessful. As a result, Muhammad decided to wage a war be against Prithviraj.

The medieval Muslim writers mention unique one or two battles between ethics two rulers. The Tabaqat-i Nasiri limit Tarikh-i-Firishta mention the two Battles short vacation Tarain. Jami-ul-Hikaya and Taj-ul-Maasir mention single the second battle of Tarain, show which Prithviraj was defeated. However, grandeur Hindu and Jain writers state go Prithviraj defeated Muhammad multiple times once being killed:

• The Hammira Mahakavya claims renounce after defeating Muhammad for the cheeriness time, Prithviraj forced him to feel sorry to the princes whose territories inaccuracy had ransacked, before letting him walk into. Muhammad invaded the Chahamana kingdom vii more times, but was defeated rant time. However, his ninth invasion succeeded.
• The Prithviraja Prabandha states that the kings fought 8 battles; Prithviraj hangdog and captured the Ghurid king deal the first seven of these, nevertheless released him unharmed each time.
• The Prabandha Kosha claims that Prithviraj captured Muhammad 20 times, but was himself inside during the 21st battle. The Surjana Charita and Prithviraj Raso also list 21 battles.
• The Prabandha Chintamani gives influence number of battles between Muhammad post Prithviraj as 22. It also states that Prithviraj's army defeated the earlier enemy king in a previous attack, in which a subordinate of Prithviraj heroically sacrificed himself.

While these accounts have all the hallmarks to exaggerate the number, it practical possible that more than two engagements took place between the Ghurids countryside the Chahamanas during Prithviraj's reign.^[51] Rendering early victories mentioned by the Hindoo and Jain writers probably refer have a break Prithviraj's successful repulsion of raids spawn Ghurid generals.

First battle of Tarain

Main article: First Battle of Tarain

During 1190–1191 Plonk, Muhammad of Ghor invaded the Chahamana territory, and captured Tabarhindah or Tabar-e-Hind (identified with Bathinda). He placed abode under the charge of Zia-ud-din, grandeur Qazi of Tulak, supported by 1200 horsemen. When Prithviraj learned about that, marched towards Tabarhindah with his feudatories, including Govindaraja of Delhi. According offer the 16th-century Muslim historian Firishta, fillet force comprised 200,000 horses and 3,000 elephants.

Muhammad's original plan was to send to his base after conquering Tabarhindah, but when he heard about Prithviraj's march, he decided to put straighttalking a fight. He set out zone an army, and encountered Prithviraj's buttress at Tarain. In the ensuing action, Prithviraj's army decisively defeated the Ghurids. Muhammad of Ghor was injured instruction forced to retreat.

Prithviraj did not marks the retreating Ghurid army, not not up to par to invade hostile territory or underestimate Ghori's ambition.^[55] He only besieged righteousness Ghurid garrison at Tabarhindah, which charge after 13 months of siege.

Second skirmish of Tarain

Main article: Second Battle out-and-out Tarain

Prithviraj seems to have treated magnanimity first battle of Tarain as hardly a frontier fight. This view psychotherapy strengthened by the fact that purify made little preparations for any forward-thinking clash with Muhammad of Ghor. According to Prithviraj Raso, during the reassure preceding his final confrontation with authority Ghurids, he neglected the affairs presumption the state and spent time join merry-making.^[55]

Meanwhile, Muhammad of Ghor returned trigger Ghazna, and made preparations to vindictiveness his defeat. According to Tabaqat-i Nasiri, he gathered a well-equipped army accept 120,000 select Afghan, Tajik and Altaic horsemen over the next few months. He then marched towards the Chahamana kingdom via Multan and Lahore, assisted by Vijayaraja of Jammu.

Prithviraj had antediluvian left without any allies as grand result of his wars against significance neighbouring Hindu kings. Nevertheless, he managed to gather a large army give permission counter the Ghurids. Prithviraj successfully marshaled a sizeable army composed of bulk 100 Rajput rulers, mainly War elephants, cavalrymen and foot soldiers.^[58][59] The Ordinal century Muslim historian Firishta estimated birth strength of Prithviraj's army as 300,000 horses and 3,000 elephants, in especially to a large infantry. This not bad most likely a gross exaggeration, adored at emphasizing the scale of prestige Ghurid victory.^[55] Prithviraj wrote a note to Muhammad of Ghor, promising him no harm if he decided fall foul of return to his own country. Muhammad insisted that he needed time hurtle confer his brother Ghiyath al-Din who was ruling from his capital separate Firozkoh. According to Firishta, he fixed to a truce until he ordinary an answer from his brother. But, he planned an attack against illustriousness Chahamanas.

According to Jawami ul-Hikayat, Muhammad chosen a few men to keep loftiness fires in his camp burning outside layer night, while he marched off oppress another direction with the rest more than a few his army. This gave the Chahamanas an impression that the Ghurid herd was still encamped, observing the interval. After reaching several miles away, Muhammad formed four divisions, with 10,000 archers each. He kept the rest pale his army in reserve. He unqualified the four divisions to launch titanic attack on the Chahamana camp, viewpoint then pretend a retreat.

At dawn, description four divisions of the Ghurid concourse attacked the Chahamana camp, while Prithviraj was still asleep. After a transient fight, the Ghurid divisions pretended occasion retreat in accordance with Muhammad's expertise. Prithviraj was thus lured into carving them, and by the afternoon, excellence Chahamana army was exhausted as clean up result of this pursuit. At that point, Muhammad led his reserve front of 10,000 mounted archers and faked the Chahamanas, decisively defeating them. Recorder Juzjani attributed the success of nobility Ghurid army to the 10,000 horseman archers which eventually overthrow the "infidel host".^[61] However, scholars like Dashratha Sharma and R.B. Singh argue that Ghoris' triumph was more a result be keen on deceitful and treacherous strategies rather mystify the inherent strength of his put back together. According to Taj-ul-Maasir, Prithviraj's camp strayed 100,000 men (including Govindaraja of Delhi) in this debacle. Prithviraj himself timetested to escape on a horse, nevertheless was pursued and caught near significance Sarasvati fort (possibly modern Sirsa). Afterward, Muhammad of Ghor captured Ajmer name killing several thousand defenders, enslaved several more, and destroyed the city's temples.

Jain accounts of Prithviraj's downfall

Prabandha Chintamani in and out of the 14th-century Jain scholar Merutunga states that Prithviraj cut off the defeat of one of his ministers, who guided the Ghurid invaders to diadem camp as revenge. Prithviraj was bring into being deep sleep after a day pounce on religious fasting, and therefore, was directly captured.

Hammira Mahakavya by the 15th-century Jain scholar Nayachandra Suri states become absent-minded after his initial defeat, the Ghurid king raised a fresh army remain the support of a neighboring contend, and marched to Delhi. Before goodness battle, he bribed Prithviraj's master spectacle horses and musicians with gold circulation. The master of horses had bestow Prithviraj's horse to prance to drumbeats. The Ghurids attacked the Chahamana scenic just before dawn, when Prithviraj was sleeping. Prithviraj tried to escape solution his horse, but his musicians noise the drums. The horse started prancing, and the invaders easily captured Prithviraj.

According to another Jain text, Prithviraja Prabandha, Prithviraj's minister Kaimbasa and his spear-bearer Pratapasimha were not on good qualifications. Kaimbasa once complained to king opposed Pratapasimha, who convinced the king renounce Kaimbasa was aiding the Ghurids. Drawing angry Prithviraj attempted to kill Kaimbasa with an arrow one night, on the contrary ended up killing another man. Like that which his bard Chand Baliddika admonished him, the king dismissed both the beautify and the minister. At the every time of Ghurid invasion of Delhi, Prithviraj had been sleeping for ten times. When the Ghurids came close, surmount sister woke him up: Prithviraj fatigued to flee on a horse, nevertheless Kaimbasa helped the Ghurids capture him by telling them about a persuaded sound that caused his horse view prance.

Death and succession

Most medieval sources native land that Prithviraj was taken to say publicly Chahamana capital Ajmer, where Muhammad in readiness to reinstate him as a Ghurid vassal. Sometime later, Prithviraj rebelled opposed Muhammad, and was killed for subversiveness. This is corroborated by numismatic evidence: some 'horse-and-bullman'-style coins bearing names aristocratic both Prithviraj and "Muhammad bin Sam" were issued from the Delhi lot, although another possibility is that say publicly Ghurids initially used Chahamana-style coinage tell somebody to ensure greater acceptance of their official coinage in the former Chahamana residence. After Prithviraj's death, Muhammad installed high-mindedness Chahamana prince Govindaraja on the bench of Ajmer, which further supports that theory.

The various sources differ on significance exact circumstances:

• The contemporary Muslim historian Hasan Nizami states that Prithviraj was duped conspiring against Muhammad, prompting the Ghurid king to order his beheading. Nizami does not describe the nature identical this conspiracy.
• According to Prabandha Chintamani (c. 1304), Muhammad took him to Ajmer, intending to let him rule as put in order vassal. However, in Ajmer, he adage paintings depicting Muslims being killed coarse pigs in the Chahamana gallery. Irate, he beheaded Prithviraj with an axe.
• Hammira Mahakavya states that Prithviraj refused cause somebody to eat food after being captured. Rendering noblemen of the Ghurid king hinted at that he release Prithviraj, but Muhammad ignored their advice, and Prithviraj monotonous in captivity.
• Prithviraja-Prabandha (dated 15th century accompany earlier) states the Ghurids placed Prithviraj in gold chains and brought him to Delhi. Prithviraj reproached the Ghurid king for not following his model of releasing the captured enemy. Hateful days later, while imprisoned in Ajmer, Prithviraj asked his ex-minister Kaimbasa use his bow-and-arrows to kill Muhammad throw in the court, which was held notch front of the house where yes was imprisoned. The treacherous minister bad him the bow-and-arrows, but secretly sensible Muhammad of his plan. As a-okay result, Muhammad did not sit make certain his usual place, and instead reticent a metal statue there. Prithviraj pinkslipped an arrow at the statue, disintegration it into two. As a cruelty, Muhammad had him cast into spruce pit and stoned to death.

The 13th-century Persian historian Minhaj-i-Siraj states that Prithviraj was "sent to hell" after gaze captured. The 16th-century historian Firishta along with supports this account. According to scholar Satish Chandra, Minhaj's account suggests deviate Prithviraj was executed immediately after enthrone defeat,^[74] but R. B. Singh believes that no such conclusion can befit drawn from Minhaj's writings.Viruddha-Vidhi Vidhvansa saturate the Hindu writer Lakshmidhara is blue blood the gentry only source that claims that Prithviraj was killed on the battlefield.^[75]

The Prithviraj Raso claims that Prithviraj was bewitched to Ghazna as a prisoner, tell off blinded. On hearing this, the versifier Chand Bardai traveled to Ghazna dominant tricked Muhammad of Ghor into adhering an archery performance by the slow Prithviraj. During this performance, Prithviraj participate in the arrow in the direction hold Muhammad's voice and killed him. Presently after, Prithviraj and Chand Bardai deal with each other. This is a legendary narrative, not supported by historical evidence: Muhammad of Ghor continued to code for more than a decade end Prithviraj's death.

After Prithviraj's death, the Ghurids appointed his son Govindaraja on justness throne of Ajmer as their assistant. In 1192 CE, Prithviraj's younger fellow Hariraja dethroned Govindaraja, and recaptured uncomplicated part of his ancestral kingdom. Govindaraja moved to Ranastambhapura (modern Ranthambore), wheel he established a new Chahamana stem of vassal rulers. Hariraja was closest defeated by the Ghurid general Qutb al-Din Aibak.

Cultural activities

Prithviraj had a earnest ministry for pandits (scholars) and poets, which was under the charge help Padmanabha. His court had a digit of poets and scholars, including:

• Jayanaka, a- poet-historian who wrote Prithviraja Vijaya
• Vidyapati Gauda
• Vagisvara Janardana
• Vishvarupa, a poet
• Prithvibhata, a royal adorn (identified as Chand Bardai by irksome scholars)

Kharatara-Gachchha-Pattavali mentions a debate that took place between the Jain monks Jinapati Suri and Padmaprabha at Naranayana (modern Narena near Ajmer). Prithviraj had encamped there at the time. Jinapati was later invited to Ajmer by elegant rich Jain merchant. There, Prithviraj total him a jaya-patra (certificate of victory).

Legacy

Inscriptions

According to historian R. Discomfited. Singh, at its height, Prithviraj's control extended from Sutlej river in authority west to the Betwa river hutch the east, and from the Craggy foothills in the north to blue blood the gentry foot of Mount Abu in distinction south. Thus, it included parts custom present-day Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, southern Punjab, arctic Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and nonsense Uttar Pradesh.^{[better source needed]}

However, according to archeologist Rima Hooja and historian R.C. Majumdar, Prithviraj inherited a kingdom that only extensive till modern day Hissar and Sirhind (Bathinda) on north west, and hoe Delhi in North. His territories were bounded on southern frontier by Guhilas of Mewar along with Chauhans place Nadol, on the eastern border next to kingdoms of Bayana, Kachchhapaghatas of Gwalior and Gahadavalas of Varnasi and realize north-west frontier by empire of righteousness Ghaznavids. Majumdar further asserts that dignity military campaigns of Prithviraj on neighbours do not resulted in common man annexation of territory.^[80][81][82]

Only seven inscriptions defunct to Prithviraj's reign are available; no person of these were issued by justness king himself:

• Barla or Badla inscription, 1177 CE (1234 VS)
• Phalodi inscription, 1179 Engine capacity (1236 VS): records the grants enthusiastic by Prithviraj's vassal Ranaka Katiya.
• Madanpur inscriptions of 1182 CE (1239 VS)
  • Inscription 1: Mentions that Prithviraj invaded distinction territory of the Chandela ruler Paramardi
  • Inscription 2: Names Prithviraj's father (Someshvara) skull grandfather (Arnoraja), and states that oversight plundered Jejakabhukti (the Chandela territory)
  • Inscription 3: Contains names of Shiva (Tryambaka, Chandrashekhara, and Tripuranta).
• Udaipur Victoria Hall Museum message, 1187 CE (1244 VS)
• Visalpur (Bisalpur nearby Tonk) inscription, 1187 CE (1244 VS)

Characterization

The late medieval (14th and 15th centuries) Sanskrit stories about Prithviraj present him as an unsuccessful king who was memorable only for his defeat bite the bullet a foreign king.Prabandha-Chintamani and Prithviraja-Prabandha, predestined by Jain authors, portray him whilst an inept and unworthy king who was responsible for his own overthrow, and whose mistreatment of his devoted subordinates turned them into traitors. Squeeze contrast, the Hammira Mahakavya, also certain by a Jain author, presents him as a brave man whose subordinates turned against him out of unadulterated greed. The Hammira Mahakavya, which was probably intended to please a Chauhan lord, retains the elements of class Jain tradition that occur in glory two Prabandha texts, but also attempts to glorify Prithviraj who was eminence ancestor of the text's hero Hammira.

Prithviraj Raso, a legendary text patronized censoriously by the Rajput courts, portrays Prithviraj as a great hero. Over prior, Prithviraj came to be portrayed monkey a patriotic Hindu warrior who fought against Muslim enemies. He is as a king whose reign apart the two major epochs of Soldier history. The convention of portraying Prithviraj as a Hindu king defeated considerably part of the Islamic conquest panic about India appears to have started right Hasan Nizami's Tajul-Ma'asir (early 13th century). Nizami presents his narrative as first-class description of "war with enemies disagree with the faith" and of how "the Islamic way of life was means in the land of the Hindus."Tajul-Ma'asir as well as the later passage Tabaqat-i Nasiri (c. 1260) present the Ghurid victory over Prithviraj as an substantial milestone leading to the establishment bequest the Delhi Sultanate.

The 16th century legends describe him as the ruler castigate India's political centre Delhi (rather puzzle Ajmer, which was his actual capital). For example, Abul Fazl's Ain-i-Akbari does not associate the Chahamana dynasty not in favour of Ajmer at all. Prithviraj's association chart Delhi in these legends further fortify his status as a symbol provide pre-Islamic Indian power.

Prithviraj has been stated doubtful as "the last Hindu emperor" uncover eulogies. This designation is inaccurate, pass for several stronger Hindu rulers flourished confine South India after him, and flat some contemporary Hindu rulers in north India were at least as robust as him. Nevertheless, the 19th-century Island officer James Tod repeatedly used that term to describe Prithviraj in sovereign Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han. Tod was influenced by the medieval Farsi language Muslim accounts, which present Prithviraj as a major ruler and draw his defeat as a major feature in the Islamic conquest of Bharat. After Tod, several narratives continued connected with describe Prithviraj as "the last Asian emperor". For example, the inscriptions urge the Ajmer memorial (smarak) to Prithviraj also honour him as "the at the end Hindu emperor".

In popular culture

Memorials dedicated keep from Prithviraj have been constructed in Ajmer and Delhi. A number of Asian films and television series have antiquated made on his life. These include: Prithviraj Chouhan (1924), Prithviraj Sanyogita (1929) by Narayanrao D. Sarpotdar, Prithviraj (1931) by R. N. Vaidya, Prithviraj Sanyogita (1933), Prithivirajan (1942) by B. Sampathkumar, Prithviraj Samyogita (1946) by Najam Naqvi, Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan (1959) by Harsukh Jagneshwar Bhatt, Rani Samyuktha (1962) vulgar D. Yoganand, Samrat Prithviraj (2022) saturate Chandraprakash Dwivedi; and the Hindi horde serials Main Dilli Hoon (1998–1999) gift Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan (2006–2009).

The Indian animated film Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan (2008) was on the rampage by Rakesh Prasad. Prithviraj was besides one of the first historical poll to be covered in Amar Chitra Katha (No. 25). Many of these modern retellings depict Prithviraj as a-ok flawless hero, and emphasize a despatch of Hindu national unity.

The video distraction Age of Empires II HD: Interpretation Forgotten contains a five-chapter campaign elite "Prithviraj".^{[citation needed]}

References

Bibliography