Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer, also known as the Chahamanas of Shakambhari, ruled over part of modern-day Rajasthan and neighbouring areas in India, between the 6th to 12th century. The Chauhans were a powerful clan known for their courage and power. They are believed to be members of the Agnivanshi Clan (relatives of the Fire God) and had a significant political presence in India. In the twelfth century, Prithviraj Chauhan was a Rajput king who ruled the kingdoms of Delhi and Ajmer in northern India. He was one of the last free Hindu rulers to rule Delhi. This article will explain to you about the Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer which will be helpful in History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer - Background

• The Chauhan dynasty flourished from the eighth to the twelfth centuries AD.
• The Pratiharas, Paramaras, and Chalukyas were the other three important Rajput dynasties of that time.
• Delhi, Ajmer, and Ranthambhor were all under the control of the Chauhans. They were also prominent at Sirohi in the southwest of Rajputana, and at Kota in the east.
• During the Rajasthan War, the Chauhans were the feudal lords of Gurjara-Pratiharas who assisted Nagabhata I in conquering the frontiers and protecting them from Arab attacks.
• After the death of Pratiharas King Simharaja, they declared independence.
• They constructed Ajayameru (Ajmer) in the southern section of their empire in the 11th century.
• In the 12th century, they seized Dhilika (the ancient name for Delhi) from the Tomaras and annexed parts of their territory along the Yamuna river.
• Prithviraj III is known as the Chauhan king of Delhi who repelled the Muslim onslaught in the first Battle of Tarain (1191).
• He was aided by armies from neighbouring Rajput kingdoms, especially Mewar.
• The following year, Prithviraj was beaten in a second battle at Tarain.
• Defeat of the Prithviraj chauhan brought in Muslim dominance in North India in the form of Slave Dynasty.

Important Kings of Chauhan Dynasty

Vasudeva

• Vasudeva was considered as the founder of the Chauhan dynasty.
• According to the Prabandha-Kosha of the 14th century, he ascended to the throne around 551 CE.
• He was from the Chahamana dynasty of Shakambhari (modern Sambhar) and ruled over Sapadalaksha kingdom, which is now part of Rajasthan.
• Vidyadhara (a supernatural being) gave Vasudeva the Sambhar Salt Lake as a gift.

Ajayaraja

• The Chauhan dynasty ruled as a local power in the Shakambari region in the eleventh century.
• They attempted expansion in the early twelfth century, led by Ajayaraja
• He conquered the Paramaras and captured their city, Ujjaini.
• Ajmer was also founded by him.

Arnoraja

• In or about 1133 A.D, Arnoraja, the son of Ajayaraja, assumed the Chauhan crown.
• He had a severe feud with the Chalukyas, and in the end, he recognised Chalukya Jayasimha's suzerainty and married his daughter.
• However, animosity toward the Chalukyas erupted once more.
• Arnoraja was defeated twice by Chalukya Kumarapala.

Vigraharaja IV (1158-1163 AD)

• He was the great monarch of the Chauhan dynasty, who with his vast conquests elevated the Chauhan Empire to the rank of an imperial force.
• He expelled the Tomaras from Delhi and seized control of Eastern Punjab.
• The Muslim ruler of Punjab was defeated by him.
• The records of his rule give a good indication of the size of his realm, which stretched from the Siwalik Hills in the north to Udaipur in the south.
• During the reign of the great king Bhoja, he clashed with the Malwa Paramars.
• Harikeli Nataka, a well-known play, was written by him
• He constructed a structure that was later converted into the Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhopra.

Prithviraj Chauhan III (1168-1192 AD)

• Prithviraj Chauhan also known as Rai Pithora is one of the most famous Hindu kings. He was born in 1149.
• He ascended to the throne at the tender age of 11 (after his father's death), but took command of the administration at the age of 16.
• His renowned Bundelkhand expedition against the Chandella king resulted in the deaths of two notable Chandella warriors, Alha and Udal.
• He defeated Mohammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain (c. 1191 CE). He was killed in the Second Battle of Tarain (c. 1192 CE). This fight is seen as a watershed moment in Islam's conquest of India.
• His court poet, Chanbardai, wrote two poems, Prithviraj Raso and Prithviraj Vijaya.

Hariraja (1193 – 1194 CE)

• Mohammad Ghori appointed Govinda, the young son of Prithviraj Chauhan, as his vassal chief in Ajmer after conquering Ajmer and Delhi.
• Hariraja, Prithviraj's brother, banished Govinda for accepting Muslim authority.
• Govinda founded the Chahamana branch of the Ranastambhapura order (Ranthambore).
• Hariraja reclaimed Ajmer and pursued an aggressive stance toward Delhi's conquerors.
• Qutub-ud-din Aibak seized Ajmer after defeating Hariraja.
• Alauddin Khilji conquered Ranthambore in 1301 CE, destroying Chauhan power's last bastion.

Decline of Chauhan Dynasty

• The lack of unity was the most essential factor in the decline of the Chauhan Dynasty.
• They were divided by factions and Rajput kingdoms were always at odds with one another.
• Because of these tensions, Jai Chandra refused to assist Prithvi Raj Chauhan in forming a united front against invaders.
• Defeat in the 2nd battle of Terrain led to the decline of the Chauhan dynasty in India.

The First Battle of Tarain (1191)

• In 1191, Ghori crossed the Khyber Pass on his way to India, where he conquered the Bathinda citadel.
• This led him to Prithviraj Chauhan's kingdom's northwestern border.
• Prithviraj's army headed by his vassal prince Govind Tai, marched on to Bathinda, where they encountered their enemy at a site named Tarain (also called Taraori).
• Ghori's army retreated when Ghori was wounded in a personal battle with Govind Tai, allowing Prithviraj Chauhan to win.
• Prithviraj chose to reclaim the citadel of Bathinda rather than pursue Ghori's army, since he did not want to invade hostile territory or misjudge Ghori's ambition.
• According to another version of the story, Ghori's army surrendered and Muhammad was taken prisoner.
• Prithviraj pardoned Muhammad Ghori when he begged for forgiveness.
• As a result, Prithviraj Chauhan was victorious in the First Battle of Tarain, which took place in 1191.

After 1st Battle of Tarain

• Ghori returned to Ghazni and began making plans to avenge this setback.
• When he arrived in Lahore, he dispatched an ambassador to Prithviraj to demand his submission, but the Chauhan ruler refused.
• This led to the 2nd battle of Tarain.

The Second Battle of Tarain (1192)

• Ghori challenged Prithviraj in 1192, and a battle took place at the same location (Tarain).
• Ghori adjusted his strategy since he didn't want to fight Rajput warriors in melee (hand-to-hand) combat.
• He divided his massive force into five divisions and dispatched four battalions to attack the Rajput flanks and rear.
• Ghori ordered his fifth unit to evacuate quickly, expecting a Rajput attack.
• The Rajputs charged the fleeing Ghurid regiment, just as Ghori had predicted.
• The Ghurids immediately dispatched a new cavalry unit of 12,000 men, who successfully repelled the Rajput advance.
• The Second Battle of Tarain was won by Muhammad Ghori.
• Prthivraj Chauhan was captured and executed on the battlefield.

Reasons for Victory of Muhammad Ghori

• Indian Kingdoms' military methods were out of date and inferior to those of Muslims.
• While the Indians continued to rely on elephants, the Muslims had fast-moving cavalry.
• Ghori had spent time meticulously planning his campaign, and his tactics proved to be a great victory in battle.

After the 2nd Battle of Tarain

• Rajputs suffered a huge defeat in terms of political status as a result of this loss.
• Qutub-Din Aibak, a Ghurid general, took over Ajmer in 1193 and quickly established Ghurid power throughout northern and central India.
• In 1194, Aibak defeated Gahadavala monarch Jayachandra in the Battle of Chandwar.
• The Battles of Tarain and Chandwa set the groundwork for Turkish control in India.
• This led to the decline of the Chauhan dynasty and rise of new power in India.

Conclusion

Rajputs are recognised as some of India's most valiant and daring warriors. The Rajputs are noted for their pride; they were powerful enough to regard themselves as self-sufficient kings at the time. Rajputs were too arrogant to accept help from anyone, and they never helped anyone. The Chauhan Dynasty of Shakambari had many powerful successors, but it perished because it made the mistake of denying assistance from others during the Battle of Tarain. The Chauhans lost their treasury, time, and warriors in the conflict, and their successors were low on resources afterward, leading to the dynasty's steady downfall.

FAQs

Q1: Who were the Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer?

Q2: What is the significance of Prithviraj Chauhan in Indian history?

Q3: What were the major battles fought by the Chauhans?

Q4: What was the political influence of the Chauhans in medieval India?

Q5: How did the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan impact Indian history?

MCQs

1. Which famous battle did Prithviraj Chauhan fight against Muhammad of Ghor?

a) First Battle of Panipat

b) First Battle of Tarain

c) Battle of Plassey

d) Third Battle of Panipat

2. In which year did the Second Battle of Tarain take place?

a) 1185

b) 1192

c) 1206

d) 1215

3. What was the capital of the Chauhans during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan?

a) Delhi

b) Ajmer

c) Kannauj

d) Lahore

4. Who was the ruler of Delhi before the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate?

a) Prithviraj Chauhan

b) Alauddin Khilji

c) Qutb-ud-din Aibak

d) Sher Shah Suri

5. What was the consequence of the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain?

a) Expansion of the Mauryan Empire

b) Beginning of Mughal rule

c) Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

d) Fall of the Gupta Empire

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Analyze the significance of the Second Battle of Tarain in shaping medieval Indian history.

Answer: The Second Battle of Tarain fought in 1192 between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad of Ghor is one of the most significant events in medieval Indian history. The battle marked a decisive defeat for the Rajputs and paved the way for the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India, which lasted for several centuries. Prithviraj’s loss ended the dominance of the Rajput kingdoms in the region, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a general of Muhammad of Ghor. The battle also showcased the strategic superiority of the Ghurid forces, particularly in cavalry tactics, over the more traditional Rajput warfare. This shift in power changed the political and cultural landscape of India, influencing the course of its history by introducing Islamic architecture, administration, and governance models that shaped medieval India.

Q2. Discuss the role of the Chauhans in resisting the early Muslim invasions of northern India.

Answer: The Chauhans played a pivotal role in resisting the early Muslim invasions of northern India, particularly during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan. Their kingdom, centered around Ajmer and Delhi, was strategically located, making them the first line of defense against the Ghurid invasions led by Muhammad of Ghor. The First Battle of Tarain (1191) was a significant victory for the Chauhans, as Prithviraj’s forces managed to repel Muhammad of Ghor’s attempt to capture Delhi. However, the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) saw the defeat of the Chauhans, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in northern India. Despite their eventual defeat, the Chauhans' resistance delayed the expansion of Ghurid influence and demonstrated the military prowess and valor of the Rajputs. The Chauhans are remembered for their defense of Hindu kingdoms and their contribution to the Rajput resistance against foreign invaders.

Q3. Evaluate the political and cultural contributions of the Chauhans to medieval India.

Answer: The Chauhans made significant political and cultural contributions to medieval India, particularly during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan. Politically, the Chauhans played a crucial role in defending northern India from the early Muslim invasions and consolidating Rajput power in the region. Their control over Delhi and Ajmer placed them at the forefront of Rajput resistance against the Ghurids. Culturally, the Chauhans were patrons of literature and architecture. Prithviraj Chauhan himself is the subject of many Rajput legends, including the famous Prithviraj Raso, an epic poem that highlights his valor and heroism. The Chauhans contributed to the flourishing of Rajput culture, with their courts serving as centers of learning and art. The architectural legacy of the Chauhans can still be seen in Ajmer, particularly in structures like Taragarh Fort and Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Despite their eventual defeat, the Chauhans' influence on Rajput identity and their role in medieval Indian politics remain significant.

Previous Year Questions on Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2017

Question. Examine the impact of the Second Battle of Tarain on the political landscape of northern India.

Answer: The Second Battle of Tarain (1192) had a profound impact on the political landscape of northern India. The defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Muhammad of Ghor not only marked the end of the Chauhan dominance over Delhi and Ajmer but also signaled the beginning of Muslim rule in northern India. This battle led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was appointed the governor of India by Muhammad of Ghor. The victory allowed the Ghurids to consolidate their control over the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, which served as a base for further expansion into the Indian subcontinent. The battle shifted the balance of power from the Rajput clans to the Muslim invaders, marking the decline of Hindu kingdoms in northern India and setting the stage for centuries of Islamic influence in Indian politics, culture, and architecture.
 

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018

Question. Discuss the contributions of Prithviraj Chauhan to the Rajput resistance against Muslim invasions.

Answer: Prithviraj Chauhan is remembered as one of the most valiant leaders of the Rajput resistance against the early Muslim invasions of northern India. As the ruler of Ajmer and Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan defended his kingdom against the Ghurid invasions led by Muhammad of Ghor. His leadership in the First Battle of Tarain (1191), where he successfully defeated Muhammad of Ghor, is celebrated as a significant Rajput victory. This battle demonstrated the military prowess of the Rajputs and delayed the Ghurid expansion into India. However, in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), Prithviraj was defeated, leading to the eventual establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. Despite his defeat, Prithviraj’s defense of northern India remains a symbol of Rajput bravery and resistance against foreign invaders. His legacy is immortalized in Rajput folklore, particularly in the Prithviraj Raso, which portrays him as a heroic and noble figure who fought valiantly to protect his kingdom.

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