The Battles of Tarain, fought in 1191 and 1192 AD, are considered turning points in Indian history. These two wars between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori not only reshaped the Indian subcontinent’s political landscape but also paved the way for Islamic rule in North India. Let’s explore both battles in detail and their far-reaching consequences.
The Historical Background of Tarain
Tarain, known today as Taraori, is located in present-day Haryana, India. During the 12th century, India was fragmented into various regional kingdoms. The two most powerful empires at the time were:
- The Ghurid Empire under Muhammad Ghori, which extended across parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
- The Chauhan Dynasty, ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan, which dominated northern India.
India, known for its immense wealth and resources, had always attracted foreign invaders. Muhammad Ghori, having conquered large swathes of land in Central Asia, now set his eyes on Northern India. But standing in his way was the mighty ruler Prithviraj Chauhan, who had successfully consolidated power by defeating or diplomatically outmaneuvering other regional kings.
The First Battle of Tarain (1191): A Resounding Victory for India
Prelude to War
By 1191, Muhammad Ghori had already captured some Chauhan territories, triggering direct conflict. Ghori’s army, comprising around 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers, faced off against Prithviraj Chauhan’s massive force of 50,000 troops.
War Strategy and Outcome
Ghori relied heavily on his elite horseback archers, a tactic that had worked well in earlier campaigns. However, this strategy failed against the well-organized and disciplined Chauhan army.
One of the turning points of the battle was when Govind Rai, believed to be Prithviraj Chauhan’s brother, injured Ghori with a spear. Ghori narrowly escaped death, saved by one of his loyal Khilji soldiers who dragged him from the battlefield.
Result
- Prithviraj Chauhan emerged victorious.
- Muhammad Ghori retreated to Afghanistan.
Instead of pursuing and eliminating his enemy, Prithviraj showed mercy and allowed Ghori to escape—a decision many historians later regarded as his greatest mistake.
Was Muhammad Ghori Defeated Multiple Times?
It’s often said Ghori invaded India 12 to 13 times and was defeated repeatedly. However, these were not always full-scale wars. Most were smaller skirmishes or sudden raids carried out by Ghori’s forces, which were repelled by regional Indian rulers.
Clarifying a Common Confusion
The famous attacks on the Somnath Temple were carried out not by Muhammad Ghori but by Mahmud of Ghazni, the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, which existed from 975 to 1187 AD. Ghori belonged to the Ghurid dynasty, which rose to power after Mahmud’s death.
The Second Battle of Tarain (1192): The Turning Point
Breakdown of Alliances
Before the second battle, Prithviraj attempted to form an alliance with the Garhwal Kingdom, but was unsuccessful. One key reason was his earlier romantic conflict with Jayachandra, the ruler of the Gahadavala dynasty. Prithviraj had eloped with Jayachandra’s daughter Sanyogita (Samyukta) against his will, causing a permanent rift.
Jayachandra not only refused to support Prithviraj but also allegedly sided with Ghori, further weakening Indian resistance.
Ghori’s New War Strategy
This time, Ghori came well-prepared with an army of approximately 120,000 soldiers, while Prithviraj commanded nearly 300,000 troops.
Rather than launching a direct assault, Ghori employed a clever “caracole” strategy—attacking the flanks of Prithviraj’s army to divide and confuse the forces. The cavalry archers continuously struck from horseback, retreated, and attacked again in waves.
Eventually, Prithviraj made the fatal error of entering the battlefield personally. He was captured by Ghori’s soldiers, leading to a massive drop in morale among his troops. The result was a crushing defeat for the Chauhan dynasty.
Aftermath of the Second Battle of Tarain
Following this decisive victory, Muhammad Ghori took control of northern India, including Delhi and Ajmer. He later defeated Jayachandra as well, consolidating his hold on the region.
The Fall of Prithviraj Chauhan
What happened to Prithviraj after his capture remains uncertain, as historical records vary:
- Some Afghan and Persian historians claim he was taken to Ghazni, blinded, and imprisoned, where he eventually died.
- Other accounts, based on the famous epic “Prithviraj Raso” by court poet Chand Bardai, suggest he killed Muhammad Ghori in prison using his skills in archery before dying himself.
The Tragic End of Samyukta
Upon hearing of Prithviraj’s capture, Samyukta, along with his brother’s wife and daughter, committed Jauhar—a traditional act of self-immolation to avoid falling into enemy hands. This marked a tragic end to one of Indian history’s most iconic love stories.
Legacy and Historical Impact
- The Second Battle of Tarain opened the gates for Islamic rule in India, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
- The lack of unity among Indian rulers and personal rivalries like that of Jayachandra and Prithviraj significantly contributed to this loss.
- Prithviraj Chauhan is still remembered as a symbol of bravery, love, and tragic sacrifice.
Final Thoughts
If Jayachandra had set aside his personal vendetta and allied with Prithviraj Chauhan, the outcome of the Second Battle of Tarain might have been very different. The defeat was not just of a king, but of a fragmented India, setting the stage for centuries of foreign domination.