Early Life of Prithviraj Chauhan
Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, was born in 1149 in Patan, Gujarat. His father, Maharaja Someshwar, ruled over Ajmer. Tragically, Prithviraj lost his father at the age of 11, inheriting the responsibilities of Ajmer at a very young age.
His birth occurred twelve years into his parents’ marriage, leading to some controversies regarding his succession. Despite facing conspiracies and opposition, Prithviraj Chauhan emerged as a skilled ruler, dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations of his people.
Education of Prithviraj Chauhan
Prithviraj Chauhan received his education from Saraswati Kanthabharan Vidya Peeth. Alongside academic learning, he also underwent rigorous training in warfare, shaping him into a proficient warrior. His prowess earned him the title of Rai Pithora.
From a young age, he displayed remarkable skills in archery, mastering the art of shooting arrows solely based on sound, a practice known as ‘Shabdabhedi Baan Vidya.’
Prithviraj Chauhan’s quest for knowledge extended beyond warfare. He acquired proficiency in six languages, including Sanskrit, Prakrit, Paisachi, Shauraseni, Magadhi, and Apabhramsha. Additionally, he delved into various subjects such as Mimamsa, Vedanta, Puranas, history, military science, mathematics, and medicine. His expertise even extended to the control of horses and elephants.
Prithviraj Chauhan’s Ascension to Delhi’s Throne
Prithviraj Chauhan’s mother, Kapuri Devi, was the only offspring of her father, Maharaja Anangpal, who was the ruler of Delhi. Concerns loomed over who would succeed Anangpal after his demise. Contemplating this, it was suggested to him to appoint Prithviraj Chauhan as his successor. With the consent of both Prithviraj Chauhan’s parents, the decision was made to anoint him as the heir to Delhi’s throne. Following Maharaja Anangpal’s death in 1166, Prithviraj Chauhan was coronated as the new ruler of Delhi.
Expansion of Prithviraj Chauhan’s Empire
Taking charge after his father’s demise, Prithviraj Chauhan not only managed Ajmer but also extended his empire to Delhi and beyond. He defeated Chandel rulers to expand his dominion to neighboring states. Prithviraj Chauhan engaged in battles with the Chalukya dynasty and emerged as a skilled ruler, catering to the aspirations of his subjects. He undertook various bold endeavors for the welfare of the populace.
The Love Tale of Prithviraj Chauhan and Princess Sanyogita
The love story of Prithviraj Chauhan and Princess Sanyogita is fascinating. Sanyogita, the daughter of King Jayachand of Kannauj, was enchanted by the tales of Prithviraj Chauhan’s valor narrated by her friends. Desiring to see him, she arranged for Pannaray, an artist from Delhi, renowned for his depiction of beauty and portraits of kings, to visit Kannauj.
Upon learning of this, Sanyogita invited Pannaray to showcase a portrait of Prithviraj Chauhan. Captivated upon seeing the portrait, Sanyogita expressed her desire to marry Prithviraj Chauhan.
Pannaray presented the portrait to Prithviraj Chauhan, conveying Sanyogita’s feelings. Moved by her beauty and proposal, Prithviraj Chauhan reciprocated her feelings through love letters, and their affection deepened.
The tale of Sanyogita and Prithviraj Chauhan’s love spread across realms, leading King Jayachand, who held animosity towards Prithviraj Chauhan, to organize Sanyogita’s swayamvar, intending to prevent their union.
In the swayamvar, Jayachand insulted Prithviraj Chauhan by placing a statue of him at the palace gates instead of a real invitation. Undeterred, Sanyogita, already in love with Prithviraj Chauhan, garlanded the statue, much to her father’s embarrassment and anger.
In the midst of this, Prithviraj Chauhan arrived, read Sanyogita’s letter, and swiftly eloped with her, defying Jayachand’s intentions. They married and returned to Prithviraj Chauhan’s capital.
The Legendary Friendship and Literary Bond
Prithviraj Chauhan and Chand Bardai shared a remarkable friendship since childhood. Not only were they companions in the court of Prithviraj, but Chand Bardai was also the court poet. It was Chand Bardai who authored the epic “Prithviraj Raso,” which was inspired by the soulful essence of Prithviraj Chauhan. The verses penned by Chand Bardai played a pivotal role in Prithviraj’s victory in the eighth battle, where he skillfully deployed deceptive arrows to slay Mohammed Ghori.
The Confrontations Between Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori
With an army of 300,000 soldiers and 300 elephants, Prithviraj commanded a formidable force, which led to the expansion of his kingdom across vast territories. The battles between Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori occurred a total of 18 times, with Prithviraj emerging victorious in 17 encounters. However, it was in the eighteenth battle that Mohammed Ghori finally succeeded in defeating Prithviraj Chauhan.
The First Battle and Prithviraj’s Ambitions
The initial conflict between Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori took place near the Sarhind Fort. This battle was instrumental in Prithviraj’s efforts to extend his rule into Punjab. Despite facing Ghori’s dominion over Punjab, Prithviraj Chauhan remained determined to expand his kingdom into the region.
The Fateful Confrontation and Prithviraj’s Downfall
Mohammed Ghori, upon learning of the enmity between Prithviraj Chauhan and Jayachand, sought Jayachand’s assistance to launch another attack against Prithviraj. This decisive battle also unfolded in the fields of Tarain. The circumstances surrounding the swayamvara event further isolated Prithviraj Chauhan, as many Rajput rulers turned away from him, leaving him to face Mohammed Ghori’s army with only his 300,000 soldiers.
The Tragic End and Prithviraj’s Sacrifice
Despite Prithviraj Chauhan’s valiant efforts, Mohammed Ghori’s skilled cavalry encircled his army, leading to Prithviraj’s defeat. Subsequently, Ghori captured Prithviraj Chauhan and Chand Bardai. Jayachand’s betrayal resulted in dire consequences for Prithviraj, as he faced the full wrath of Ghori’s retribution. Eventually, Ghori’s triumph over Prithviraj Chauhan paved the way for his reign over Punjab, Delhi, Ajmer, and Kannauj.
The Legacy of Prithviraj Chauhan
Following Prithviraj Chauhan’s demise, no Rajput ruler could emulate his feat of reclaiming control over Delhi. His tragic end serves as a reminder of the price paid for courage and valor in the face of adversity.
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