The Tomar was one of the clans of Rajputs, who ruled parts of present-day Delhi and Haryana from the 8th to the 12th century. Initially, they were feudatories of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, later on, Tomaras built up an independent kingdom around Delhi by the 10th century. In the 12th century, they were overthrown by the Chauhans of Ajmer who took over their capital in Delhi. In this article, we will discuss the important clan of Rajputs i.e. Tomars of Delhi which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Tomars of Delhi - Background

• Reconstruction of Tomar history is difficult as it lacks valid evidence.
• Most of the information about the Tomars came from medieval Bardic sources and these are not historically reliable.
• Bards were poets, historians, genealogists, astrologers, court minstrels, and artisans.
• Apart from Bardic literature, the Tomaras history can also be known from inscriptions and coins.
• The Tomara dynasty is one of northern India's minor early medieval ruling houses.
• Puranic evidence (writings of the Puranas) indicates that it was first discovered in the Himalayan region. The dynasty was one of the 36 Rajput tribes, according to bardic tradition.
• The family's history spans the period from the reign of Anangpal, who founded Delhi in the 11th century CE, to the incorporation of Delhi into the Chauhan (Chahamana) kingdom in 1164.

Features of Tomars

• The Tomars Dynasty had a monarchical administrative structure. All power was concentrated in the hands of the king or monarch.
• In the Tomars dynasty, the throne was passed down through generations.
• The King was aided by a group of ministers who were hereditary and nominated by the King from prominent families.
• The language of Tomars was Apabhraṃśa and the religion was Hinduism.

Tomars as Feudatories (8th-10th century CE)

• The Tomar territory included the parts of present-day Delhi, Haryana, and some parts of Utter Pradesh.
• Initially, Tomars were the feudatories or vassals of Pratiharas from the 8th-10th century CE.
• It is said that the Jaula of the Tomara family became prosperous by serving the king of his time.
• One of Jaula’s descendants named Gogga became the vassal of Mahendrapala I.
• He constructed Vishnu temples at Pehowa (Kurukshetra) on the banks of the Sarasvati river.

Tomars as Independent Rulers (10th-12th Century CE)

• Bardic literature referred to the dynasty as "Tuar" and categorized them as one of the 36 Rajput clans.
• Anangpal I, started the Tomar dynasty in 736 CE, according to bardic literature.
• In 736 CE, King Anangapal Tomar or Anangpal I is credited with founding 'Lal Kot,' a walled citadel that served as the Tomars' capital.
• Lal Kot was one of the first fortresses of Delhi.
• Later on, Prithviraj Chauhan, the Chauhan King, took control of 'Lal Kot' in 1180 CE and transformed it into a gigantic 13-gated Fort known as Qila Rai Pithora.
• By the 10th century, the Tomaras had established themselves as independent rulers when the Pratiharas' power diminished.
• Soon after attaining independence from Pratihars, the Tomaras were involved in battles with their neighbors such as the Chauhans of Ajmer and the Gahadavala dynasty.
• The successors of Anangapala were Tejapala, Madanapala, Kritapala, Mahipala, Lakhanapala and Prithvipala.
• According to the Chahamana king, his ancestor Chandana (c. 900 CE) killed the Tomara leader Rudrena (or Rudra) in a fight.
• Later on, Anangpal II, popularly known as Anangpal Tomar, founded Delhi in 1052 and it is confirmed by an inscription of 1383 which is now in the Delhi Museum.
• He also constructed the Anangpur Dam.
• According to mediaeval Muslim historians, in the 11th century, Delhi was ruled by a king named Mahipala. Although these medieval historians do not specify the dynasty of this monarch, some modern historians have recognised him as a Tomara ruler.
• Surajpala, a Tomara ruler, is believed to have commissioned the Suraj Kund reservoir.

Downfall of Tomars

• Tomars was ousted by the Chahamanas of Shakambhari also known as Chauhans of Sambhar or Chauhans of Ajmer in the 12th century.
• Once again, Tomars became the feudatories, and this time they became the feudatories of Chauhans when Delhi was captured by them in the 12th Century.

Conclusion

Although Delhi was later decisively incorporated into the Chauhan kingdom, numismatic and comparatively late literary evidence suggests that Tomara kings such as Anangapala and Madanapala continued to rule as feudatories, presumably until the Muslims' final conquest of Delhi in 1192–93.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which clan did the Tomars belong to?

A) Kshatriya
B) Vaishya
C) Brahmin
D) Shudra

2. What was a major achievement of the Tomars?

A) Establishment of the Mughal Empire
B) Construction of the Tomar Fort
C) Development of trade routes
D) Introduction of agriculture

3. How did the Tomars influence the Delhi Sultanate?

A) By supporting the Mughals
B) Through military alliances
C) By surrendering their power
D) By remaining neutral

4. Which challenge did the Tomars face during their rule?

A) Peace with the Mughals
B) Constant foreign invasions
C) Lack of cultural development
D) Abundance of resources

5. What role did the Tomars play in the cultural landscape of Medieval India?

A) Promoting foreign languages
B) Supporting local arts and architecture
C) Restricting cultural practices
D) Isolating themselves from society

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the role of the Tomars in the political landscape of medieval India.

Answer: The Tomars played a pivotal role in the political landscape of medieval India, particularly in the Delhi region. As a powerful Rajput clan, they were instrumental in establishing early governance structures that would influence the rise of the Delhi Sultanate. Their strategic marriages and military alliances enhanced their political influence and allowed them to navigate the complexities of regional politics effectively. The Tomars' engagement in warfare against external invaders, particularly the Turks, showcased their military prowess and resistance, contributing to the socio-political dynamics of the time. Additionally, their legacy of governance and administration set precedents that shaped future rulers in the Delhi Sultanate, highlighting their significance in Indian history.

Q2: Discuss the cultural contributions of the Tomar dynasty during their reign.

Answer: The Tomar dynasty made significant cultural contributions during their reign, particularly in the realms of architecture, literature, and the arts. They are known for constructing impressive forts, temples, and palaces, which reflect their architectural ingenuity and artistic sensibilities. The Tomars also played a vital role in patronizing local artists, poets, and scholars, contributing to the flourishing of regional literature and cultural practices. Their support of traditional crafts and local artisans helped preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region. This blend of military and cultural achievements underscores the Tomars' multifaceted impact on the history of medieval India.

Q3: Analyze the challenges faced by the Tomars and their impact on their decline.

Answer: The Tomars faced several challenges that ultimately contributed to their decline. Continuous foreign invasions, particularly from the Turkish armies, strained their military resources and led to significant territorial losses. Internal conflicts among rival Rajput clans further weakened their position, as power struggles distracted from external threats. Additionally, the changing political landscape with the rise of the Delhi Sultanate diminished their influence and autonomy. Economic pressures resulting from prolonged warfare and loss of territories limited their ability to sustain their governance. These challenges cumulatively eroded the power of the Tomar dynasty, leading to their eventual decline and the absorption of their territories into the burgeoning Sultanate.

Previous Year Questions on Tomars of Delhi

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: The Tomars were primarily associated with which region in India?

A) Rajasthan
B) Punjab
C) Delhi
D) Gujarat

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Tomars were primarily associated with the region around Delhi, where they played a significant role in its early history.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Assess the impact of the Tomar dynasty on the socio-political structure of medieval India.

Answer: The Tomar dynasty significantly influenced the socio-political structure of medieval India through their military strength, governance practices, and cultural patronage. They established Delhi as a major political center and set governance precedents that would influence future rulers. Their resistance against foreign invasions highlighted their role in protecting regional integrity and fostering Rajput unity. Additionally, their contributions to architecture and the arts enriched the cultural landscape of the time, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the identity of the region. Through these multifaceted roles, the Tomars played a crucial part in the broader narrative of medieval Indian history.