Tomaras Of Dhillika and Delhi’s Origin

The Tomaras of Dhillika, ruling from the 8th to the 12th century AD, held sway over Haryana with their capital at Delhi. Known as the Tuar dynasty among the Rajputs, they were often in conflict with the Chahamanas of Shakambhari. Anangapala Tomara, a significant ruler, established Delhi and left his mark on its history.

The Tomaras of Dhillika: Founders and Builders of Delhi

• Origin: They ruled the Hariyana (Haryana) with their capital at Dhillika (Delhi) and were the feudatory of the Pratiharas. 
• Tuar Dynasty: Medieval bardic literature (produced by a class of poets trained in the bardic schools of Ireland and the Gaelic parts of Scotland) names the dynasty as “Tuar” and classifies them as one of the 36 Rajput clans. 
• Conflicts with Chahamanas: They often had conflicts with the Chahamanas of Shakambhari, and their rule was followed by Chahamanas. 
• Succession: A 13th-century Palam Baoli (step well) inscription records that the land of Hariyanaka was first ruled by the Tomaras, then by the Chauhans, and thereafter by the Shakas.
• Anangapala Tomara: The most important king 
  • Establishment of Delhi: He established Delhi and he was described in the 11th-century inscription of the iron pillar at Mehrauli. 
  • Numismatic Significance: His coins feature the horseman-and-bull figure and bear the title “Shri Samanta-deva”. 
    • These were similar to the coins of the Shakambhari Chahamana kings Someshvara and Prithviraj III.
  • Contribution: 
    • Construction of the earliest surviving waterworks in the Delhi area. 

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• Anangapala II: was the founder of the citadel of Lal Kot in the Mehrauli area and also built a tank known as the Anang Tal.
  • The famous Suraj Kund reservoir (near Faridabad, Haryana) was commissioned by the Tomara king Surajpala.
    • Anangpal II relocated the famous Iron Pillar. 
• His successors, like Jaipal Tuar and Anangpal III, expanded Delhi’s influence and built significant structures.
• Tomar Influence: The Tomar kings sent their sons to establish new towns, including Tejora and Mahipalpur. 
  • Anangpal III’s daughter married Prithvi Raj Chauhan, marking the transition to the Chauhan dynasty.
• End of Tomar Rule: Prithvi Raj Chauhan became the Chauhan ruler of Delhi, succeeding Anangpal III. 
  • This marked the end of Tomar rule in Delhi, giving way to the Chauhan dynasty.

Conclusion

The Tomaras left a lasting legacy in Delhi’s history with their contributions to its infrastructure and governance. Their rule paved the way for the rise of the Chauhan dynasty, marking a transition in Delhi’s leadership. Though their reign ended, their impact on Delhi’s development endured through the centuries.