Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III): Biography, Reign, Administration, and Battles

PWOnlyIAS February 22, 2024 01:36 14339 0

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraja III) was the Rajput champion lord of the Chauhan (Chahamana) faction of rulers who laid out the most grounded realm in Rajasthan.

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III): Biography, Reign, Administration, and Battles

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III): Political Geography of North India in the Early 12th Century

Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora was Rajput king from the Chauhan dynasty, who ruled the kingdoms of Ajmer and Delhi. Born around 1166 CE, he is famous for his valor and heroism. Prithviraj is best known for his heroic battles against the Ghurid invader Muhammad Ghori, particularly the First and Second Battles of Tarain. His birthday is celebrated as Prithvi Raj Chauhan Jayanti all over India. Several movies and TV serials have been created to show his valor and his heroic life to common people.

Prithviraj Chauhan

Portrait of Prithvi Raj Chauhan

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Attribute Details
Full Name Prithviraj III Chauhan
Other Names Rai Pithora
Dynasty Chauhan dynasty
Birth (Jayanti) 16 May 1166 CE
Death c. 1192 CE
Parents Father: Someshvara, Mother: Karpura Devi
Height of Prithviraj Chauhan According to some sources the height of Prithviraj was 100 Angulam. An Angulam is approximately 1.763 cm. Which makes him 176.3 cm or 5.78 feet in height.
Region Ruled Ajmer and Delhi
Coronation c. 1177 CE
Major Battles – First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE): Victory against Muhammad Ghori
– Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE): Defeated and captured by Muhammad Ghori
Famous Rival Muhammad Ghori
Capture and Death Captured by Muhammad Ghori, Executed c. 1192 CE
Spouse Sanyogita
Father -in- Law Raja Jaichand, also known as Jaichandra, was the father of Sanyogita and the king of Kannauj. 
Cultural Influence Subject of the epic poem “Prithviraj Raso” by Chand Bardai
Legacy Symbol of Rajput valor and resistance, celebrated in Indian folklore
Historical Significance Remembered as a legendary warrior king who fought against Islamic invaders

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III): Biography

Prithviraja III was the Rajput champion lord of the Chauhan (Chahamana) faction of rulers who laid out the most grounded realm in Rajasthan.

  • Early Life: Born on 16 May 1168, Prithviraj III was the child of the famous ruler Someshwar Chauhan, the lord of Ajmer. His mother, Karpuradevi, a Kalachuri (Chedi) princess, was a similarly huge impact on his initial life. His birthday is celebrated as Prithvi Raj Jyanti.

Prithviraj Chauhan

People Celebrating PrithviRaj Chauhan Jyanti

  • Battle of Sthaneshwar:
    • Rising to the lofty position around 1180, the youthful Prithviraja acquired a realm that extended from Shanishvara (Thanesar) in the north to Mewar in the south. 
    • Prithviraja had personally taken control of the administration within a few years, but shortly after he did so, he was confronted with a rebellion from Nagarjuna, his cousin, who made his own claim to the throne. 
    • The revolt was fiercely squashed, and Prithviraja directed his concentration toward the close-by realm of the Bhadanakas. 
  • The Bhadanakas: The Bhadanakas had been a relentless danger to the Chauhan-held locale around Delhi, however they were  completely obliterated at some point around 1192.
Also Read: EARLY MEDIEVAL INDIA (c.600-1200 CE)

 

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III) and Epic Prithiviraj Raso

Prithviraj Raso, composed by the  court poet of Prithvi Raj, his name was Chand Bardai he covered Prithviraj’s life and his war tales. This epic not only narrates the key events of his reign but also mentions his heroism and romanticizes his legacy. “Prithviraj Raso” is a specific work in Indian literature, contributing significantly to the folklore and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Through its verses, Prithviraj Chauhan is portrayed as an ideal warrior-king, whose story continues to inspire and evoke admiration for his unwavering dedication to his kingdom and people. Prithvi Raj Raso also mentioned the story of his marriage. 

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III): His Wars and Expeditions

Major Events of the time Wars and its results 
Reign of Prithviraj Chauhan Prithviraj III, otherwise called Prithviraj Chauhan or Rai Pithora, climbed the lofty position, conceivably at 16 years old, and quickly extended his realm in Rajputana, vanquishing numerous unimportant Rajput states
Expedition towards Chandelas
  • Prithviraj drove an endeavor towards the Chandelas of Khajuraho and Mahoba, a strong state spreading over north and central India. 
  • In the past, the Chandelas had resisted invasions, including those from the Ghaznavids.
Battles of Alha and Udal The clashes of Alha and Udal, popular heroes who battled to shield Mahoba from the Chauhans, are referenced in scholarly works like Prithviraj-Raso and Alha-Khanda, 
Defeat of Chandelas The victory that Chauhan achieved over the formidable King Paramardi Dev of the Chandelas demonstrated both his leadership skills and strategic prowess on the battlefield.
Aspirations and Rivalries The Chauhans tried to overcome their old adversaries, the Chalukyas of Gujarat, however were fruitless. They then, at that point, planned to venture into the Ganga valley and Punjab districts
Strife in Gujarat: Prithviraj’s Strategic Experience
  • Prithviraja III’s tryst with fate took him to Gujarat, where he faced a conflict against the nearby Bhil tribes. 
  • Here, his discretionary keenness was on full display.
  • Rather than choosing a fierce showdown, Chauhan looked for partnerships, wedded the Solanki princess, and in this way cemented his impact in the district.

Prithviraj Chauhan Fight with Gahadavalas

The struggles between Prithviraj Chauhan and the Gahadavalas of Kannauj were driven by the last option’s desire to broaden their domain. As an essential reaction, Chauhan shaped a partnership through marriage with the Gahadavala princess, demonstrating again his skill in statecraft. His agreeable mix of bravery and discretion kept on safeguarding his kin and his realm.

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Prithviraj Chauhan Fight With Mohammad Ghori

  • First Battle of Tarain (1191):
    • In 1191, Prithviraj Chauhan encountered the Ghurid ruler, Muhammad Ghori, denoting a defining moment in Indian history. 
    • The main battle of Tarain was a savage experience, and Chauhan’s bold armed force, driven by their courageous ruler, had the option to repulse the Ghurid powers, reaffirming Chauhan’s ability as a champion lord.
  • Second Battle of Tarain (1192):After a year, in 1192 , Ghori returned, more ready and more cautious. 
    • Ghori used guerilla tactics in the second Battle of Tarain, which was a different story.
    • In spite of a brave protection, He was defeated badly, denoting a change in power elements in Northern India.

Also Read: THE PALLAVAS ( 275CE-897CE )

Effect of the Battle of Tarain

The outcomes of the Clashes of Tarain, especially the subsequent one, were significant, reaching out past the quick misfortune for Prithviraj Chauhan.

  • Socio-Political Effect: 
    • The loss of Prithviraj III at the second battle of Tarain in 1192 denoted the start of Muslim rule in Delhi, preparing for progressive Sultanates and the Mughal Realm in India.
    • It fundamentally modified the socio-political scene of Northern India, achieving a change in outlook in administration, engineering, culture, and cultural standards.
  • Strategic Impact:  
    • The second Battle of Tarain was significant in that it brought to light the transition from conventional warfare strategies to strategies that are more strategic and cunning. In terms of military strategy at the time, Ghori’s use of deception and guerilla tactics marked a turning point.
  • Influence on Indian Obstruction: 
    • Regardless of the loss, the fights battled by Prithviraj Chauhan against the attacking powers made a permanent imprint on the Indian awareness. They blended a feeling of opposition contrary to foreign rule and prepared Indians for more wars.

Prithviraj Chauhan

Also Read: THE DELHI SULTANATE (1206-1526 AD)

MCQs

Q) What was the name of Prithviraj Chauhan’s wife?

  1. Sanyogita
  2. Chandravati
  3. Padmini
  4. Padmavati

Q) Who was Prithviraj Chauhan’s father-in-law?

  1. Raja Jaichand
  2. Raja Bhoja
  3. Raja Harsha
  4. Raja Hemu

Q) When is Prithviraj Chauhan Jayanti celebrated?

  1. 15th August
  2. 16th May
  3. 2nd October
  4. 26th January

Q) What is Prithviraj Raso?

  1. A biography of Prithviraj Chauhan
  2. An epic poem narrating the life of Prithviraj Chauhan
  3. A historical novel on Prithviraj Chauhan
  4. A collection of Prithviraj Chauhan’s speeches

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Q) Which dynasty did Prithviraj Chauhan belong to?

  1. Chalukya dynasty
  2. Chola dynasty
  3. Chauhan dynasty
  4. Gupta dynasty
Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Prithviraja III, also known as Rai Pithora, was a prominent ruler of the Chauhan dynasty in medieval India. He is celebrated as a heroic figure in Indian history and folklore.

He was born in 1168 CE.

Prithvi Raj Chauhan Jayanti 2024 celebrated on 16 May 2024.

Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori engaged in warfare twice. The first battle, known as the First Battle of Tarain, took place in 1191 CE. The Second Battle of Tarain, which occurred in 1192 CE.

His wife was Princess Sanyogita, also known as Sanyukta. She was the daughter of Raja Jaichand of Kannauj.

His father-in-law was Raja Jaichand, also known as Jaichandra, the king of Kannauj

According to some sources, Prithviraja III’s height was approximately 100 Angulams, which is equivalent to approximately 176.3 cm or 5.78 feet.

He is remembered for his valiant efforts in resisting foreign invasions, particularly his battles against Muhammad Ghori. He played a significant role in the political landscape of medieval India.

His Jayanti is celebrated on 16th May every year to commemorate his birth anniversary.

Mohammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD.

In the Prithviraj Raso, Prithviraj Chauhan's father is also referred to as Someshwar Gurjar Naresh. This makes it clear that he was indeed a Gurjar.
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