Chahamanas Or Chauhans Of Ajmer

From the 6th to the 12th centuries, the Chahamana dynasty, also known as the Chauhans of Sambhar or Ajmer, played a pivotal role in shaping Indian history. Reigning over parts of present-day Rajasthan and its surroundings, the Chauhans left an indelible mark on the political landscape. The term “Chauhan,” derived from the Sanskrit word “chahamana,” holds cultural significance. The Chauhan Dynasty played a crucial role during the Arab invasion, aligning themselves with the Pratihars and serving as their feudal lords. In the 11th century, they took charge of the Shakambari region, further solidifying their influence in the historical tapestry of India.

Chauhan of Delhi and Ajmer – Background

Flourishing between the eighth and twelfth centuries AD, the Chauhan dynasty played a pivotal role in medieval Indian history.
Alongside the Chauhans, the Pratiharas, Paramaras, and Chalukyas were significant Rajput dynasties during this period.
Chauhan dominance extended to key regions such as Delhi, Ajmer, Ranthambhor, Sirohi, and Kota in Rajputana.
During the Rajasthan War, the Chauhans served as feudal lords to the Gurjara-Pratiharas, aiding Nagabhata I in defending against Arab attacks and expanding frontiers.
Following the death of Pratiharas King Simharaja, the Chauhans declared independence and founded Ajayameru (Ajmer) in the 11th century.
In the 12th century, they seized Dhilika (ancient Delhi) from the Tomaras, annexing territories along the Yamuna river.
Notably, Prithviraj III, the Chauhan king of Delhi, successfully repelled the Muslim onslaught in the first Battle of Tarain (1191) with support from neighboring Rajput kingdoms, especially Mewar.
However, Prithviraj faced defeat in the second Battle of Tarain the following year, leading to the rise of the Slave Dynasty and Muslim dominance in North India.

Important Kings of Chauhan Dynasty

Vasudeva and the Chauhan Dynasty

Vasudeva, credited as the founder of the Chauhan dynasty, ascended the throne around 551 CE.
Hailing from the Chahamana dynasty of Shakambhari (modern Sambhar), he ruled the Sapadalaksha kingdom in present-day Rajasthan.
According to the 14th-century Prabandha-Kosha, Vasudeva received the Sambhar Salt Lake as a gift from the supernatural being Vidyadhara.

Ajayaraja

In the 11th century, the Chauhan dynasty, under Ajayaraja, initially held sway in the Shakambari region.
Ajayaraja led expansion efforts in the early 12th century, conquering the Paramaras and establishing Ajmer.
Notably, he captured Ujjaini and laid the foundation of Ajmer.

Arnoraja

Arnoraja, Ajayaraja’s son, assumed the Chauhan crown around 1133 A.D.
Engaged in a severe feud with the Chalukyas, Arnoraja eventually recognized Chalukya Jayasimha’s suzerainty.
Despite this, hostilities resurfaced, leading to Arnoraja’s defeat by Chalukya Kumarapala.

Vigraharaja IV

Vigraharaja IV, a prominent Chauhan monarch, elevated the Chauhan Empire to imperial status.
His conquests included expelling the Tomaras from Delhi and gaining control of Eastern Punjab.
The vast realm extended from the Siwalik Hills in the north to Udaipur in the south.

Prithviraj Chauhan III

Prithviraj Chauhan, born in 1149, became a renowned Hindu king, ascending to the throne at a young age.
Notable achievements include a successful expedition against the Chandella king and victory over Mohammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain (c. 1191 CE).
Unfortunately, he was killed in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE, marking a crucial moment in the Islamic conquest of India.

Hariraja

Hariraja, successor to Prithviraj, faced challenges from the invading forces.
Mohammad Ghori appointed Govinda, Prithviraj’s son, as a vassal chief in Ajmer, leading to internal strife.
Hariraja’s efforts to resist Muslim authority ultimately failed, and Ajmer fell to Qutub-ud-din Aibak.
Ranthambore, the last bastion, succumbed to Alauddin Khilji in 1301 CE.

Decline of the Chauhan Dynasty

The downfall of the Chauhan Dynasty can be attributed significantly to a lack of unity within its ranks. The constant internal divisions and conflicts among the Rajput kingdoms weakened their collective strength. This disunity played a crucial role in Jai Chandra’s decision to withhold support from Prithvi Raj Chauhan’s efforts to form a united front against the invading forces. Ultimately, the Chauhan dynasty met its demise after facing defeat in the 2nd Battle of Terrain, paving the way for the establishment of Islamic rule in India.

The First Battle of Tarain (1191):

In 1191, Muhammad Ghori crossed the Khyber Pass, conquering Bathinda and reaching the northwestern border of Prithviraj Chauhan’s kingdom.
Prithviraj’s army, led by Govind Tai, faced Ghori at Tarain. During a personal battle with Govind Tai, Ghori was wounded, leading to his army’s retreat and Prithviraj’s victory.
Prithviraj chose to reclaim Bathinda instead of pursuing Ghori, avoiding invasion of hostile territory. Another version suggests Ghori’s army surrendered, and Ghori was taken prisoner. Prithviraj forgave Ghori upon his plea.

Second Battle of Tarain (1192):

In 1192, Ghori challenged Prithviraj again at Tarain, changing his strategy to avoid melee combat with Rajput warriors.
Ghori organized his army into divisions, employing a clever strategy. Four battalions attacked Rajput flanks and rear, while the fifth unit feigned retreat. Ghori’s prediction of a Rajput charge allowed him to counter effectively, leading to Prithviraj’s capture and death.

Post-War Scenario:

The Rajputs suffered a blow to morale after the Second Battle of Tarain, with many courageous troops lost. No one volunteered to lead.
Hari Raja, Prithviraj’s brother, became the king of Ajmer, enduring Aibek’s animosity. The Chauhan dynasty relocated to Ranthambore.
The defeat led to a decline in Rajput political status. Qutub-Din Aibak took over Ajmer in 1193, establishing Ghurid dominance in northern and central India.
The Battle of Chandwar in 1194 solidified Turkish control in India, as Aibak defeated Jayachandra, marking the fall of the Chauhan dynasty and the rise of a new power in India.

Conclusion

The Chauhan dynasty, a formidable and courageous force in what is now Rajasthan, faced a pivotal moment during the Battle of Tarain. The Shakambari Chauhan Dynasty, boasting influential leaders, ultimately met its downfall due to the critical error of rejecting external aid. This decision led to significant losses in terms of territory, time, and skilled officers. In the aftermath, the Chauhans experienced a gradual decline, losing ground step by step. Despite this decline, their enduring legacy highlights the remarkable power and bravery that characterized the Chauhan dynasty throughout its history.