Why make a big deal of Prithvi Raj, anyway?

The ostensible reason behind the demand for conversion of the Neemrana hotel resort in Rajasthan into a museum is to honour the memory of ...

The ostensible reason behind the demand for conversion of the Neemrana hotel resort in Rajasthan into a museum is to honour the memory of the last Hindu ruler of Delhi, Prithvi Raj Chauhan. The story of his life is based part on historical facts and part on legends spun by bards and wandering minstrels. They tell a tale of a swashbuckling hero and a chivalrous warrior, who whisked away his beloved Sanyogta from under the nose of her obdurate father and who, even after defeating Mohammed Gauri in the first battle of Terain, was generous enough to let him retreat safely to Afghanistan.

The lady Sanyogta was, it is said, smitten with the Rajput king, but her father, Jai Chand, the ruler of Kannauj, hated him as much. So, when he organised a swayamvar style wedding for her, he invited all the eligible princes to try their luck, except Chauhan. He was most upset, however, when Prithvi Raj appeared out of the blue and, before anyone could react, pulled Sayogta up on his steed and galloped away.

The story, not supported by any historical evidence, goes that Jai Chand was so furious at being so insulted in the presence of all royalty that he invited Mohammed Gauri, who was determined to avenge his first defeat anyway, to invade the Rajput kingdom in the north. This alleged act has made `Jai Chand’ a metaphor for treason.

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What history does tell is that by the latter part of the 12th century, Ghauri had occupied most of what is Punjab today, up to the Sutlej river and then made his attempt to capture Gujarat. Prithvi Raj should have been well aware of his intentions, but it seems that some of his ministers counselled him to stay out of the conflict so that the two sides could weaken each other and he himself could pick up the spoils. As it happened, the Chalukyas of Gujarat gave Gauri a licking on their own.

However, in 1190, the Afghan predator capture the Bhatinda fort and soon after joined battle with Chauhan at Terain near Karnal (Haryana). The invader was defeated and wounded, but allowed to escape. Prithvi Raj neither chased him to quash his challenge for good, nor tried to capture his territories in Punjab. Gauri lived to regroup his forces.

The following year he returned with a fresh army. By use of some clever tactics, which included a bit of deceit, and some brilliant and speedy manoeuvres, all fair game in war, he had his revenge at the same battlefield, and the path was cleared for the establishment of Muslim rule in India. Chauhan, according to one account, was killed in the battle. The legend of course has it that he was taken prisoner to Afghanistan where, even though blinded, he killed Gauri in his court and was then committed suicide. He is supposed to be buried there, but there is no evidence to substantiate this.

So, what does one make of this last Hindu king of north India? The Sanyogta episode, if true, shows him in a poor light. If you run off with somebody’s daughter with his guests looking on, you would be asking for trouble. With invaders eyeing the country this was a time for him to curb his libido. Instead of forming a united front for defence he foolishly provoked Jai Chand into enmity.

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Chauhan was incapable of thinking in terms of the larger national interest. He made no attempt to free other areas captured by Gauri, nor did he help other princes in distress. His not pursuing the invader after the first battle should be ascribed more to stupidity than to chivalry. And, without doubt, Mohammed Gauri proved to be the better general of the two. If anyone can be held responsible for giving the invaders from Afghanistan their first firm foothold in India, it is Prithvi Raj Chauhan. His story, but for the lessons it holds for the nation, is best forgotten.