In the history of Prithviraj Chauhan, he truly has been the Lion King of India, a true warrior not afraid to fight any battle. Prithviraj Chauhan was a king who belonged to the Chauhan (Chahamana) dynasty, also known as Rai Pithora. He was declared the heir of the Delhi throne at thirteen by his grandfather Angam after his father's death in a battle. He ruled the territory of Sapadalaksha along with his capital at Ajmer, which is today located in Rajasthan. He inherited a kingdom from Thanesar in the north to Jahazpur (Mewar) in the south. He planned to expand by military actions against neighbouring kingdoms, particularly the Chandelas.
Also, he united various Rajput clans.
About
Prithviraj Chauhan was born in 1166, and he was the son of Ajmer's king, Someshwar Chauhan and Karpura Devi. The History of Prithviraj Chauhan describes him as the last emperor of the Chauhan dynasty to rule over Delhi.
In the history of Prithviraj Chauhan, he has proved his sharpness and brilliance by acquiring all military skills since he was a child. He was recognised for mastering the "Shabd Bhedi" technique of shooting at a target based on its sound. Prithviraj's mother, Karpura Devi, was appointed as his regent because he was still a minor when he ascended the kingdom.
CONFLICTS AND BATTLES
His Conflict with Nagarjuna and Bhadanakas
Prithviraj’s first military victory was under the guidance of his cousin brother, Nagarjuna, when they recaptured Gudapura. Nagarjuna was Prithviraj's uncle Vigraharaja IV's son, the Chahamana throne fight had started a conflict between the two lines of the dynasty. The Bhadanakas were a constant threat to the Chauhan-held region around Delhi, but they were defeated so thoroughly before 1182 that they are no longer referenced in history.
While learning about the History of Prithviraj one cannot miss the fact about when he defeated Parmardin Deva Chandela, the ruler of Jejak Bhukti, in 1182. The fight against the Chandelas improved Prithviraja's reputation, but it also increased the number of his opponents.
It gathered together the Chandelas and Gahadavalas (another northern Indian royal family), encouraging Prithviraj to raise military investment and alertness along his southern frontier.
Gahadavala conflict
As a result of his aggressive campaigns, he clashed with Jayachandra, the Gahadavala ruler of Kannauj. Jayachandra was keen to put an end to Prithviraja's expanding ambitions.
However, Prithviraja's passion for Jayachandra's daughter, Sanyogita, was the catalyst for their strong and violent hatred.
The epic poem by Chand Bardai, Prithviraj Raso, depicts the endless love between Prithviraj and Sanyogita.
War with the Ghurids OF AFGHANISTAN
Muslim kingdoms had invaded the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent by the 12th century, and by the late 12th century, the Ghurid dynasty, centred in Ghazna, ruled the land west of the Chahamana kingdom.
In 1175 CE, while Prithviraj was still a boy, the Ghurid ruler Muhammad of Ghor crossed the Indus River and captured Multan.
In 1178 CE, he attacked Gujarat, which was controlled by the Chalukyas (Solankis). The destruction of various temples and the devastation of Bhati-ruled Lodhruva suggest that the Ghurid army crossed past the western boundary of the Chahamana kingdom on its way to Gujarat.
On its route to Gujarat, the Ghurid army surrounded the Naddula (Nadol) fort, which the Chahamanas of Naddula ruled.
Kadambavasa, Prithviraj's chief minister, recommended him to keep out of the dispute and avoid supporting the Ghurids' enemies. Because the Gujarati Chaulukyas defeated Muhammad at the Battle of Kasahrada in 1178 CE, forcing the Ghurids to run away.
FIRST BATTLE OF TARAIN (1191)
Between 1190 and 1191 CE, Muhammad of Ghor invaded the Chahamana region and took Tabarhindah (identified with Bathinda). He handed it to Zia-ud-din, Tulak's Qazi, who was accompanied by 1200 horsemen.
When Prithviraj learned of this, he marched to Tabarhindah with his feudatories, which included Delhi's Govindaraja.
Prithviraj's army decisively beat the Ghurids. Ghor's Muhammad was wounded and forced to leave. Because Prithviraj did not want to invade the enemy territory or underestimate Ghori's desire, he did not pursue the retreating Ghurid army.
SECOND BATTLE OF TARAIN (1192)
Prithviraj appears to have viewed the first battle of Tarain as merely a frontier battle. Prithviraj had lost all allies as a result of his warfare against the neighbouring Hindu princes. Prithviraj was defeated and taken by Muhammad Ghori, who arrived with a greater force. After capturing Prithviraj Chauhan, Muhammad of Ghor restored him as a Ghurid vassal. The fact that Prithviraj produced coins with his name on one side and Muhammad's name on the other after the Battle of Tarain supports this view.
Prithviraj Chauhan's death has been the subject of quiet debate and controversy. One theory states that he killed Ghori before dying, and another claims Ghori killed him for treason.