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The Chauhans of Delhi-Ajmer
Even though the Chauhan kingdom was the first to be annihilated by the Muslims
and the Chauhan clan scattered, it remains one of the foremost Rajput clans.
This was largely due to the stature of the last of the Chauhan kings,
Prithviraj of Delhi. This romantic and ill-fated monarch has become the symbol
of Rajput chivalry. The famous bard, Chand Bardai, in his epic poem Prithviraj
Raso relates the history of this legendary hero. Prithviraj combined all the
noble qualities of his race with all the weaknesses. Although a brave soldier,
a cultivated courtier and an inspiring leader, he was rash where he should
have been prudent.
There was rivalry between the kingdoms of Delhi and Kanauj. The Princess
Sanyukta of Kanauj, heard the praises of Prithviraj and wanted to marry him.
Her father Jaichand refused to invite the Chauhan to the swayamvara ceremony
at which a girl garlanded the man of her choice. Instead Jaichand insulted the
Rajput king by putting a statue of him at the postern. Undismayed Sanyukta
placed her garland around the statue proclaiming her choice. Prithviraj and
his clansmen raided Kanauj and the Chauhan carried off his bride, intensifying
the feud with Kanauj.
In 1191 Mohammed Ghori attacked Delhi and was repulsed. He then attacked
Kanauj. Prithviraj did not go to the help of his hostile father-in-law. Kanauj
fell.
In 1192, Ghori again attacked Delhi. This time Prithviraj was defeated and
killed. The beautiful Sanyukta ascended the funeral pyre and perished with her
lord. The Chauhans scattered. Most of them sought sanctuary with Mewar and
bravely defended its capital, Chittor, when it was attacked.
The descendants of Jaichand of Kanauj fled to Gujarat and gradually emerged
again as the Rathores of Marwar.
[Bikaner]
[Rana Udai Singh]
[Rajasthan history]
[Rajasthan]
[Rajasthan early history]
[Colonel James Tod]
[Kuchchwahas of Amber-Jaipur]
[The Mauryans]
[The Rajputs]
[Raja Jai Singh]
[Muslim Invasions]
[Rana Kumbha]
[Rana Pratap]
[Imperial Guptas]
[Post-Mogul history]
[Harachauhans of Bundi-Kotah]
[Rana Lakha]
[Rana Sanga]
[Rao Jodha]
[Sisodias of Mewar]
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