Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, was the last independent Rajput king of Delhi and Ajmer. He is best known for his battles against Muhammad Ghori, especially the First and Second Battles of Tarain.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prithviraj III Chauhan (Rai Pithora) |
| Dynasty | Chahamana (Chauhan) Dynasty |
| Born | Around 1166 CE |
| Capital | Ajmer and Delhi |
| Famous Battles | First & Second Battles of Tarain (1191 & 1192 CE) |
| Enemy | Muhammad Ghori (Ghurid Dynasty) |
| Defeat & Death | Captured & executed in 1192 CE after the Second Battle of Tarain |
Early Life & Rule
- Prithviraj III was a ruler of the Chahamana (Chauhan) Dynasty, ruling over Ajmer and Delhi.
- He inherited the throne after his father Someshvara Chauhan in 1177 CE.
- Expanded his kingdom to Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Major Battles & Conflicts
1. First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE)
- Opponent: Muhammad Ghori (Ghurid Empire)
- Cause: Muhammad Ghori wanted to expand his rule into North India.
- Result: Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori, forcing him to retreat to Ghazni.
- Reason for Victory: The Rajput cavalry was superior in battle tactics.
2. Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE)
- Opponent: Muhammad Ghori, who returned with a stronger army.
- Result: Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.
- Aftermath:
- Prithviraj Chauhan was captured and taken to Ghazni.
- He was either executed or blinded before being killed, as per different historical sources.
- Delhi and Ajmer came under Muslim rule, marking the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.
Administration & Achievements
- Maintained a strong military and fortified important cities like Delhi and Ajmer.
- Encouraged art and literature.
- Patronized court poet Chand Bardai, who wrote Prithviraj Raso, an epic on his life.
Significance of Prithviraj Chauhan
- Last Hindu ruler of Delhi before the Muslim conquest.
- His defeat marked the end of Rajput dominance in North India.
- He is remembered as a brave and skilled warrior.
- Inspiration in Rajput folklore and poetry.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Chahamana (Chauhan) Dynasty |
| Ruled from | Ajmer & Delhi |
| Major Battles | First & Second Battles of Tarain |
| Famous Opponent | Muhammad Ghori |
| Victory | First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE) |
| Defeat | Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE) |
| Death | Executed or blinded in 1192 CE |
| Famous Work on His Life | Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai |
MCQs on Prithviraj Chauhan
1. Which dynasty did Prithviraj Chauhan belong to?
A) Gahadavala
B) Chahamana (Chauhan)
C) Rashtrakuta
D) Parmara
Answer: B) Chahamana (Chauhan)
2. Where was the capital of Prithviraj Chauhan?
A) Agra
B) Delhi and Ajmer
C) Kannauj
D) Ujjain
Answer: B) Delhi and Ajmer
3. In which year did the First Battle of Tarain take place?
A) 1175 CE
B) 1191 CE
C) 1192 CE
D) 1206 CE
Answer: B) 1191 CE
4. Who defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain?
A) Mahmud of Ghazni
B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C) Muhammad Ghori
D) Iltutmish
Answer: C) Muhammad Ghori
5. What is the name of the epic written about Prithviraj Chauhan?
A) Rajatarangini
B) Prithviraj Raso
C) Baburnama
D) Akbarnama
Answer: B) Prithviraj Raso
6. What happened to Prithviraj Chauhan after the Second Battle of Tarain?
A) He became a vassal of Muhammad Ghori
B) He was given control over Delhi
C) He was captured and later executed
D) He escaped to South India
Answer: C) He was captured and later executed
Subjective Questions on Prithviraj Chauhan
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Prithviraj Chauhan, and why is he significant in Indian history?
- What was the outcome of the First Battle of Tarain?
- Why did Prithviraj Chauhan lose the Second Battle of Tarain?
- What was the role of Prithviraj Raso in shaping the legend of Prithviraj Chauhan?
- Name the capital cities of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the military and administrative achievements of Prithviraj Chauhan.
- Explain the causes and consequences of the First and Second Battles of Tarain.
- Compare the leadership styles of Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori.
- What was the significance of the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan for Indian history?
- How is Prithviraj Chauhan remembered in folklore and literature?
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.