Know more about the legendary king of ancient India, Prithviraj Chauhan.

One of the most celebrated and well-known Rajput kings of ancient India, Prithviraj Chauhan is the source of many legendary feats and stories. There is a very limited number of credible sources of information about him. Most of what we know about him comes from folklore and oral storytelling. The most important and credible source is the eulogical poem ”PrithvirajRaso” by Chand Bardai, a friend and court poet of Privithraj Chauhan.

1. The year of birth is not mentioned in any of the sources. According to the poem “Prithviraja Vijaya” by Jayanaka, Prithviraj was born on the twelfth day of Jayestha month according to Hindu calendar. By carefully studying the planetary position, we can say that he was born in the year 1166 B.C.
2. These sources mention that Prithviraj was well versed in mathematics, painting, philosophy, medicine and archery. He was known for his exceptional archery skills.
3. He was also proficient in many languages. “Prithviraja Vijaya” mentions that the king knew and mastered six languages, whereas “Prithviraj Raso” suggests that Prithviraj Chauhan mastered fourteen languages.
4. He is known as the last Hindu king of North India and is celebrated for his valour and his strong-hold on the north-western part of India.
5. His first successful military campaign was suppressing the revolt by his cousin. His cousin Nagarjuna revolted and captured Gudapura which is present-day Gurugram. Prithviraj Chauhan laid siege on Gudapura and Nagarjuna fled from there. Though the army and general resisted the attack eventually, Chauhan was victorious.
6. He successfully bought many kingdoms under his rule. The most famous of his military campaign was against Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, Solanki of Gujarat, Paramaras of Abu, and Gahadavalas of Kannauj.
7. Prithviraj Chauhan is known for his love for Samyukta, daughter of Jaichand, ruler of Kannuaj. Jaichand organized swayamvara for Samyukta, where all the kings and warriors were invited other than Prithviraj. It is said that Prithviraj eloped with Samyukta from her swayamvara.
8. He is also known for resisting and defeating Muhammad of Ghor in the first battle of Tarain. But Muhammad of Ghor attacked again and was finally victorious in the second battle of Tarain. It is said that Prithviraj was captured and he killed Muhammad Ghori in an archery competition. However, many historians are divided about this account.

His defeat led to the many subsequent arrivals of invaders in India. Prithviraj Chauhan would always be remembered as a brave and valorous king.