“Prithviraj Chauhan” – The Undefeated Warrior and Patriot

Rajputs are known for their bravery and culture. Prithviraja Chauhan was also a Rajput warrior king of Rajput Chauhan dynasty.

He was born in 1168 at Ajmer. His father was Someshwar Chauhan, and mother Karpuravalli. It is said that in his childhood, Prithviraja killed a tiger with his bare hands. He had an extremely sharp mind and brilliant military skills. Prithviraja III, popularly known as Prithviraj Chauhan, was a famous Rajput king and warrior of the Chahamana dynasty who fought two important battles with Muhammad of Ghor, popularly known as Battles of Tarain. He emerged successful in the first battle but his defeat in the second battle is considered to be a watershed moment in Indian history as it opened the doors for Muslims from outside to rule the northern parts of the country. Prithviraj was an intelligent boy who was as good in studies as he was in military warfare. According to Prithviraja Vijaya,Prithviraj was a multi- linguistic with fluent command over six languages. Another eulogistic poem, Prithviraj Raso, claims that Prithviraj had good knowledge of mathematics, medicine, history, military, philosophy, painting, and theology.

Prithviraj ascended the throne in 1177 CE when he was just 11 years old and inherited a kingdom that extended from Sthanvishvara in the north to Mewar in the south. At its peak, his empire included present-day Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, northern Madhya Pradesh, and southern Punjab. He was challenged by many Hindu rulers like Nagarjuna, Bhadanakas, Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, Chaulukyas of Gujarat, Gahadavalas of Kannauj who wanted to exert their influence over the territory ruled by the young king. One by one the warrior king defeated all of them.

He had a very unique quality of hitting the targets on the basis of sound. He defeated many kings in a very early age and was declared the king of Delhi when he was only 13 years old. Among so many interesting things about Prithviraj, his love Story with Sanyukta is very famous. He married her by eloping her from her palace in the presence of her father and so many other kings. Muhammad Ghori attacked Prithviraj at Midnight because he knew that Rajputs don’t fight in night. Prithviraj defeated Ghori in First battle of Tarain and set him free. Unfortunately Ghori attacked again and captivated Prithvi. His eyes were burnt with hot iron by Ghori to look straight in his eyes as it was not acceptable for a Rajput to bow down to someone. Prithviraj killed Ghori with  shabdabhedi baan. He did not want to get killed by any Muslim ruler so Prithviraj and his friend stabbed each other and died. In this way Prithviraj Chauhan died as an undefeated warrior, taking Muhammad Ghori down before he could die. He is an example of bravery and patriotism.

First Battle of Tarain

Around 1190 – 1191 CE, Muhammad of Ghor captured Tabarhindah, which was a part of Chahamana dynasty. Prithviraj in order to quash the invasion marched towards Tabarhindah where he defeated Ghori, who somehow managed to escape with few of his men.

The Second Battle of Tarain

Muhammad Ghori came back to avenge his defeat and this time he was successful in defeating Prithviraj as many of his Hindu ruler friends had left him. Muhammad of Ghor as such captured Ajmer, the capital of Chahamanas.

By: Anita Aishvarya

Content: https://www.awaaznation.com/uncategorized/facts-about-prithviraj-chauhan/