extensive kingdom that included Ajmer, Sambhar and Delhi in northern India during the latter half of the 12th century. The Chauhans consolidated their kingdom by conquering & amalgamating neighboring kingdoms including the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. Chauhan rule it included much of northwest India including contemporary Rajasthan, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Arguably, Prithviraj was one of the most powerful kings in northern India.
Known for his ambition and courage, his military exploits made him a legend during his lifetime. His daring kidnap and subsequent marriage to Princess Samyuktha, the daughter of Jai Chandra Rathod, the king of Kannauj is a part of popular romance. His life and death were romanticized & celebrated in the epic poem “Prithviraja Raso” written by his close associate and Courtier Chand Bardai. Prithviraj Chauhan was the last independent Hindu king to sit upon the throne of Delhi.
THE BATTLES OF TARAIN (1191 & 1192):
Having come close to Prithviraj’s dominions, in 1191, Mohammad Ghori captured a fortress in Batinda region. Ghori couldn’t hold temptation and sounded the bugle of war with Prithviraj. He faced a tough adversary in Prithviraj. The Rajput army was led by Govindaraj-the vassal of the king. The two armies met at the town of Tarain or Taraori near Thanesar located in contemporary Haryana State approximately 150 Kms north of Delhi. In this war, Prithviraj was able to create a coalition of contemporary rulers including King Jayadeva-the ruler of Kannauj. Ghori came across unexpected resistance and lost the battle terribly. It is said that he was severely wounded and barely escaped the battlefield with the help of a water