The Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE) was fought between Raja Jaichand of the Gahadavala Dynasty and Muhammad Ghori. This battle was significant as it marked the defeat of the last major Rajput resistance in North India, allowing Muslim rule to expand further into the Ganga Valley.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battle Name | Battle of Chandawar |
| Year | 1194 CE |
| Location | Chandawar (near Etawah, Uttar Pradesh) |
| Fought Between | Raja Jaichand (Gahadavala Dynasty) vs. Muhammad Ghori (Ghurid Empire) |
| Winner | Muhammad Ghori |
| Loser | Raja Jaichand (killed in battle) |
| Outcome | Fall of Kannauj, Expansion of Ghurid Rule |
Causes of the Battle
- Muhammad Ghori’s ambition to expand Ghurid rule
- After defeating Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE), Muhammad Ghori wanted to extend his rule into the Ganga Valley.
- Strategic importance of Kannauj
- Kannauj was a powerful and wealthy kingdom, controlling key trade routes.
- Muhammad Ghori needed to defeat Raja Jaichand to gain control over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Rajput resistance to Muslim rule
- Raja Jaichand was one of the last major Rajput rulers resisting Muhammad Ghori’s expansion.
- He was not directly involved in the battles of Tarain, but he stood against Ghurid expansion.
Course of the Battle
- Muhammad Ghori led a well-organized cavalry-based army and attacked Kannauj.
- Raja Jaichand led a large force but was unable to counter the superior cavalry tactics of the Ghurids.
- The Rajput army was overwhelmed, and Jaichand was killed in battle.
- The Ghurids captured Kannauj, establishing their rule over North India.
Results & Consequences
1. Death of Raja Jaichand & Fall of Kannauj
- Jaichand was killed, and Kannauj was annexed by Muhammad Ghori.
- This marked the end of the Gahadavala Dynasty’s power.
2. Expansion of Ghurid Rule
- Muhammad Ghori extended his control over the Ganga Valley, including Benares (Varanasi), Bihar, and Bengal.
- Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of Muhammad Ghori, later advanced into Bihar and Bengal, destroying Nalanda University.
3. Weakening of Rajput Resistance
- After the fall of Delhi (1192 CE) and Kannauj (1194 CE), no strong Rajput kingdom remained in North India.
- This allowed Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Muhammad Ghori’s general, to establish the Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE).
Significance of the Battle
- Final major Rajput resistance against Muhammad Ghori.
- Kannauj, a historic center of power, came under Muslim rule.
- Paved the way for the Delhi Sultanate, established later by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- Marked the beginning of prolonged Muslim rule in North India.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Battle | 1194 CE |
| Location | Chandawar (near Etawah, Uttar Pradesh) |
| Rajput Ruler | Raja Jaichand (Gahadavala Dynasty) |
| Ghurid Ruler | Muhammad Ghori |
| Result | Muhammad Ghori won, Jaichand killed |
| Major Impact | Fall of Kannauj, Expansion of Ghurid rule |
MCQs on the Battle of Chandawar
1. The Battle of Chandawar was fought in which year?
A) 1191 CE
B) 1192 CE
C) 1194 CE
D) 1206 CE
Answer: C) 1194 CE
2. Who fought against Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Chandawar?
A) Prithviraj Chauhan
B) Raja Jaichand
C) Rana Sanga
D) Hemu
Answer: B) Raja Jaichand
3. What was the main consequence of the Battle of Chandawar?
A) Establishment of Mughal rule
B) Fall of the Gahadavala Dynasty & expansion of Ghurid rule
C) Defeat of the Mughals
D) End of the Vijayanagar Empire
Answer: B) Fall of the Gahadavala Dynasty & expansion of Ghurid rule
4. Where did the Battle of Chandawar take place?
A) Delhi
B) Kannauj
C) Chandawar (Etawah, Uttar Pradesh)
D) Bengal
Answer: C) Chandawar (Etawah, Uttar Pradesh)
5. Who succeeded Muhammad Ghori in ruling India after his death?
A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B) Iltutmish
C) Razia Sultan
D) Balban
Answer: A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Subjective Questions on the Battle of Chandawar
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- When and where was the Battle of Chandawar fought?
- Who were the main participants in the battle?
- What was the result of the Battle of Chandawar?
- Why was Kannauj important for Muhammad Ghori?
- What happened to Raja Jaichand after the battle?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the causes and consequences of the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE).
- Explain the role of Raja Jaichand in resisting the Ghurid invasion.
- How did the Battle of Chandawar impact the political landscape of North India?
- Compare the Battle of Tarain (1192 CE) and the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE).
- Explain how Muhammad Ghori expanded his empire in North India after his victory at Chandawar.
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.