First Battle of Tarain: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Ajay Kumar
Last edited March 24, 2026
VisualWikitext
Add new article
 
slightly cleaned up lead as per guidelines additionally and updated info for clarity
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|1191 battle near modern Taraori, India}}
{{Short description|1191 battle between Ghurids and Rajput confederation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
Line 5: Line 5:
| conflict          = First Battle of Tarain
| conflict          = First Battle of Tarain
| partof            = [[Indian campaigns of Muhammad of Ghor]]
| partof            = [[Indian campaigns of Muhammad of Ghor]]
| date              = 1191
| date              = 14 January 1191
| place            = [[Taraori]] (near [[Karnal]])
| place            = [[Taraori]] (near [[Karnal]])
| territory        = Prithviraj retakes the fortress of Tabarhindh after a thirteen month siege (possibly present-day [[Bhatinda]])
| territory        = Prithviraj Chauhan retakes the fortress of Tabarhindh after a thirteen month siege (possibly present-day [[Bhatinda]])
| coordinates      = {{coord|29.78|N|76.94|E|display=inline}}
| coordinates      = {{coord|29.78|N|76.94|E|display=inline}}
| map_type          = South Asia
| map_type          = South Asia
Line 16: Line 16:
| map_label        = Tarain
| map_label        = Tarain
| map_mark          = Big battle symbol.svg
| map_mark          = Big battle symbol.svg
| result            = [[Rajput]] victory<br>
| result            = [[Rajput]] victory<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Brig K Kuldip |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rTG8AQAAQBAJ&q=first+battle+of+tarain+victory |title=Indian Military Thought KURUKSHETRA to KARGIL and Future Perspectives |date=28 October 2023 |publisher=Lancer Publishers LLC |isbn=9781935501930 |language=English |chapter=Chapter 7: THE GATHERING CLOUDS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sengupta |first=Hindol |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RcT3EAAAQBAJ&q=first+battle+of+tarain+victory |title=Soul and Sword: The Endless Battle Over Political Hinduism |date=December 2023 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |isbn=9781538126844 |pages=19 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ahmed Farooqui |first=Salma |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Comprehensive_History_of_Medieval_Indi.html?id=sxhAtCflwOMC#v=onepage&q=first%20battle%20of%20tarain%20rajput%20victorious&f=false |title=A Comprehensive History of Medieval India |publisher=Pearson India Education Services |year=2011 |isbn=9788131732021 |pages=53 |language=English}}</ref>
* Ghurid invasion of India repulsed.
| combatant1        = [[Ghurid dynasty]]
| combatant1        = [[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurid Empire]]
| combatant2        = {{Tree list}}{{ublist|[[Chahamanas of Shakambhari|Chahamana dynasty of Shakambhari]]}}
| combatant2        = [[Rajput|Rajput Confederation]]
**[[Kingdom of Amber]] {{Tree list end}}
| commander1        = [[Muhammad of Ghor]] {{WIA}}<br> [[Qutb al-Din Aibak|Qutubuddin Aibak]]<br/> Qazi Zia ud-Din Tulaki
| commander1        = [[Muhammad of Ghor]]{{WIA}}<br> [[Qutb al-Din Aibak|Qutubuddin Aibak]]<br/>[[Bahauddin Tughril]]<br> Qazi Zia ud-Din Tulaki
| commander2        = [[Prithviraj Chauhan]]<br/>[[Pajawan|Pajawan Kachhwaha]]<br/>Govind Rai{{WIA}}<br/>[[Skanda (general)|Skanda]]
| commander2        = [[Prithviraj Chauhan]]<br>[[Pajawan|Pajawan Kachhwaha]]<br>Govind Rai{{WIA}}<br>[[Skanda (general)|Skanda]]
| strength1        = Unknown, outnumbered by Rajputs <ref>{{Cite book |author=Paul K.Davis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nv73QlQs9ocC |title=100 Decisive Battles: From Ancient Times to the Present |date=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-514366-9|page=133|quote=Never had Mohmmad's troops faced such a well-trained foe, and in 1191 (no particular date has been recorded) the Rajputs had the upper hand, no numbers have been recorded either, but all account states that the Rajputs outnumbered the Moslem army|language=en}}</ref>
| strength1        = Unknown, outnumbered by Rajputs<ref>{{Cite book |author=Paul K.Davis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nv73QlQs9ocC |title=100 Decisive Battles: From Ancient Times to the Present |date=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-514366-9|page=133|quote=Never had Mohmmad's troops faced such a well-trained foe, and in 1191 (no particular date has been recorded) the Rajputs had the upper hand, no numbers have been recorded either, but all account states that the Rajputs outnumbered the Moslem army|language=en}}</ref>
| strength2        = 100,000 Rajput cavalrymen{{sfn|Kaushik Roy|2004|pp=38–39|ps=: "The age of around 800 AD could be termed as age of steepe horsemens. The Rajputs were about to be outclassed by their outdated methods of War in era of brutuality. In 1191, Ghori fought the Rajput confederacy of one lakh Rajput  calvalrymen led by Prithviraj at place called Tarain"}}
| strength2        = 100,000 Rajput cavalrymen{{sfn|Roy|2004|pp=38–39|ps=: "The age of around 800 AD could be termed as age of steepe horsemens. The Rajputs were about to be outclassed by their outdated methods of War in era of brutuality. In 1191, Ghori fought the Rajput confederacy of one lakh Rajput  calvalrymen led by Prithviraj at place called Tarain"}}
}}
}}


The '''First Battle of Tarain''', also spelt as the '''First Battle of Taraori''', was fought in 1191 between the invading [[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurid army]] led by [[Muhammad of Ghor]] and the [[Rajput|Rajput Confederacy]] led by [[Prithviraj Chauhan]], near Tarain (modern [[Taraori]] in [[Haryana]], India). The battle ended in decisive victory for the Rajputs; however, Muhammad of Ghor managed to escape and returned to Ghazni.
'''First Battle of Tarain''', also known as the '''First Battle of Taraori''', was fought on 14 January 1191 between the [[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurid]] forces led by [[Muhammad of Ghor]] and the [[Rajput|Rajput Confederacy]] led by [[Prithviraj Chauhan]], near Tarain (modern [[Taraori]] in [[Haryana]], India). The battle ended in a victory for the Rajputs; however, Muhammad of Ghor managed to escape and returned to Ghazni.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Talbot |first=Cynthia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m3DjCgAAQBAJ&q=first+battle+of+tarain |title=The Last Hindu Emperor: Prithviraj Cauhan and the Indian Past, 1200–2000 |date=2016 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-11856-0 |language=en}}</ref>


After the Ghurid armies were routed, they retreated to the Ghazni and left garrison of 2,000 soldiers under Zia ud-Din Tulaki to secure the fort of Tabarhind (present day [[Bhatinda]])<ref name="GoP">{{Cite web|author=|url=https://bathinda.nic.in/history/|title=Bhatinda History|publisher=Government of Punjab}}</ref> to delay the Rajput army and was successful in keeping them at bay for thirteen months, while Muhammad of Ghor, during these months, raised a stronger army of 120,000 men, and invaded again, leading to the [[Second Battle of Tarain]].{{sfn|Kaushik Roy|2004|pp=40-42|ps=: "Cavalry was not suited for laying siege to forts and Rajputs lacked both the siege machines and infantry to storm and destroy fortress walls. Tulaki was able to keep Prithviraj at bay for thirteen months. Within this time, Mahmud Ghori had raised 120,000 cavalry."}}
After the Ghurid armies were routed, they retreated to Ghazni and left garrison of 2,000 soldiers under Zia ud-Din Tulaki to secure the fort of Tabarhind (present day [[Bhatinda]])<ref name="GoP">{{Cite web|author=|url=https://bathinda.nic.in/history/|title=Bhatinda History|publisher=Government of Punjab}}</ref> to delay the Rajput army and was successful in keeping them at bay for thirteen months, while Muhammad of Ghor, during these months, raised a stronger army of 120,000 men, and invaded again, leading to the [[Second Battle of Tarain]], which ended Chauhan's rule.{{sfn|Roy|2004|pp=40-42|ps=: "Cavalry was not suited for laying siege to forts and Rajputs lacked both the siege machines and infantry to storm and destroy fortress walls. Tulaki was able to keep Prithviraj at bay for thirteen months. Within this time, Mahmud Ghori had raised 120,000 cavalry."}}


== Sources ==
== Sources ==


The contemporary sources for the battle include ''Tajul-Ma'asir'' of [[Hasan Nizami]] (on the Ghurid side) and Jayanaka's ''[[Prithviraja Vijaya]]'' (on the Chahamana side).{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|pp=29-30}}
The contemporary sources for the battle include ''Tajul-Ma'asir'' of [[Hasan Nizami]] (on the Ghurid side) and Jayanaka's ''[[Prithviraja Vijaya]]'' (on the Chahamana side).{{sfn|Talbot|2015|pp=29-30}}


Later sources for the battle include the following Persian-language chronicles:{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|pp=86-87}}
Later sources for the battle include the following Persian-language chronicles:{{sfn|Talbot|2015|pp=86-87}}


* [[Minhaj-i-Siraj]]'s ''[[Tabaqat-i Nasiri]]'' (1260 CE)
* [[Minhaj-i-Siraj]]'s ''[[Tabaqat-i Nasiri]]'' (1260 CE)
Line 43: Line 43:
* [[Firishta]]'s ''Tarikh-i Firishta'' (early 17th century)
* [[Firishta]]'s ''Tarikh-i Firishta'' (early 17th century)


These chroniclers call Prithviraj by various names including "Rae Kolah Pithorā" (Minhaj), "Pithor Rai" (Sirhindi), and "Pithow Ray" (Firishta). They call Prithviraj's commander-in-chief Govind Rai Tomar as "Gobind Rae" (Minhaj); "Gobind Rai" (Sirhindi); Khand, Khanda, or Khandi (Nizam al-Din and Bada'uni); and Chawund Ray (Firishta).{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|pp=86-87}}
These chroniclers call Prithviraj by various names including "Rae Kolah Pithorā" (Minhaj), "Pithor Rai" (Sirhindi), and "Pithow Ray" (Firishta). They call Prithviraj's commander-in-chief Govind Rai Tomar as "Gobind Rae" (Minhaj); "Gobind Rai" (Sirhindi); Khand, Khanda, or Khandi (Nizam al-Din and Bada'uni); and Chawund Ray (Firishta).{{sfn|Talbot|2015|pp=86-87}}


The later sources written in Indic languages include ''[[Hammira Mahakavya]]'' and ''[[Prithviraj Raso]]''.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=88}}
The later sources written in Indic languages include ''[[Hammira Mahakavya]]'' and ''[[Prithviraj Raso]]''.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=88}}


== Background ==
== Background ==


Mu'izz ad-Din captured Multan in 1175, and in 1178, [[Battle of Kasahrada|unsuccessfully invaded]] the [[Chaulukya]] ([[Solanki (clan)|Solanki]]) Kingdom in present-day Gujarat and northern Rajasthan. Subsequently, the [[Siege of Lahore (1186)|Ghurids defeated the Ghaznavids, and conquered Lahore in 1186]].{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=36}}
Mu'izz ad-Din captured Multan in 1175, and in 1178, [[Battle of Kasahrada|unsuccessfully invaded]] the [[Chaulukya]] ([[Solanki (clan)|Solanki]]) Kingdom in present-day Gujarat and northern Rajasthan. Subsequently, the [[Siege of Lahore (1186)|Ghurids defeated the Ghaznavids, and conquered Lahore in 1186]].{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=36}}


Mu'izz ad-Din sent his envoy - the Chief Judge Qiwam-ul Mulk Ruknud Din Hamza - to the court of Prithviraj, to persuade the Indian king to come to a peaceful agreement.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=29}} ''Tajul-Ma'asir'', a chronicle by the Muslim writer [[Hasan Nizami]], describes the envoy as a "prominent dignitary", who conveyed Mu'izz ad-Din's message to Prithviraj "in a refined and graceful manner", using "elegant language". The [[Chahamana]]-sponsored text ''[[Prithviraja Vijaya]]'', which describes Mu'izz ad-Din as an "evil" beef-eating "demon", portrays the envoy as an extremely ugly person whose "ghastly white" complexion made him appear to be suffering from a skin disease, and whose speech was like "the cry of wild birds".{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=30}}
Mu'izz ad-Din sent his envoy - the Chief Judge Qiwam-ul Mulk Ruknud Din Hamza - to the court of Prithviraj, to persuade him to come to a peaceful agreement.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=29}} ''Tajul-Ma'asir'', a chronicle by the Muslim writer [[Hasan Nizami]], describes the envoy as a "prominent dignitary", who conveyed Mu'izz ad-Din's message to Prithviraj "in a refined and graceful manner", using "elegant language". The [[Chahamanas of Shakambhari|Chahamana]]-sponsored text ''[[Prithviraja Vijaya]]'', which describes Mu'izz ad-Din as an "evil" beef-eating "demon", portrays the envoy as an extremely ugly person whose "ghastly white" complexion made him appear to be suffering from a skin disease, and whose speech was like "the cry of wild birds".{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=30}}


Prithviraj refused to agree to the Ghurid envoy's terms, which according to Hasan Nizami, included converting to [[Islam]] and accepting the Ghurid suzerainty.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=30}} Mu'izz ad-Din then decided to invade the Chahamana kingdom.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=29}}
Prithviraj refused to agree to the Ghurid envoy's terms, which according to Hasan Nizami, included converting to [[Islam]] and accepting the Ghurid suzerainty.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=30}} Mu'izz ad-Din then decided to invade the Chahamana kingdom.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=29}}


The Ghurid campaign that led to the first battle of Tarain may have started in 1190, but the actual battle was most probably fought in the winter of 1191 CE.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=44}}
The Ghurid campaign that led to the first battle of Tarain may have started in late 1190, but the actual battle was definitely fought in early 1191 CE.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=44}}


== The battle ==
== Battle ==
Sometime before January 1191, Mu'izz ad-Din's army captured the Tabarhindah fort (probably present-day [[Bathinda]]), which was presumably under Chahamana control.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=47}} According to Sirhindi, sometime in 1191 ([[Hijri year]] 587), Prithviraj marched against the Ghurid army with infantry, cavalry, and an [[war elephant|elephant force]].{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=87}} Mu'izz ad-Din was about to leave Tabarhindah, when he received the news of Prithviraj's approach; he then marched against Prithviraj, and the two armies met at Tarain.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|pp=86-87}}


Sometime before 1191, Mu'izz ad-Din's army captured the Tabarhindh fort (probably present-day [[Bathinda]]), which was presumably under Chahamana control.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=47}} According to Sirhindi, sometime in 1191 ([[Hijri year]] 587), Prithviraj marched against the Ghurid army with infantry, cavalry, and an [[war elephant|elephant force]].{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=87}} Mu'izz ad-Din was about to leave Tabarhindah, when he received the news of Prithviraj's approach; he then marched against Prithviraj, and the two armies met at Tarain.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|pp=86-87}}
Prithviraj was accompanied by a number of feudatory rulers, whom Minhaj describes as "the whole of the [[Rana (title)|Ranas]] of Hind". These rulers included Govind Rai, the ruler of Delhi. Sirhindi states that Govind Rai Tomar, seated on an elephant, was at the frontline, suggesting that he was the commander-in-chief of Prithviraj's army.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=87}} Sirhindi and later chroniclers, such as Nizam al-Din and Bada'uni, describe Govind Rai as a brother of Prithviraj.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=87}} Firishta also describes Prithviraj and Govind Rai as brothers, stating that the two men marched against the Ghurids in alliance with other Indian rulers. Firishta portrays Govind Rai as someone who was almost equally as powerful as Prithviraj, presumably because Govind Rai was the ruler of Delhi, which had become politically important by Firishta's time.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=87-88}}


Prithviraj was accompanied by a number of feudatory rulers, whom Minhaj describes as "the whole of the [[Rana (title)|Ranas]] of Hind". These rulers included Govind Rai, the ruler of Delhi. Sirhindi states that Govind Rai Tomar, seated on an elephant, was at the frontline, suggesting that he was the commander-in-chief of Prithviraj's army.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=87}} Sirhindi and later chroniclers, such as Nizam al-Din and Bada'uni, describe Govind Rai as a brother of Prithviraj.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=87}} Firishta also describes Prithviraj and Govind Rai as brothers, stating that the two men marched against the Ghurids in alliance with other Indian rulers. Firishta portrays Govind Rai as someone who was almost equally as powerful as Prithviraj, presumably because Govind Rai was the ruler of Delhi, which had become politically important by Firishta's time.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=87-88}}
The Ghurid cavalry initiated the battle by launching arrows at the enemy center. The Chahamana forces counter-attacked from three sides and dominated the battle, pressuring the Ghurid army into a withdrawal.{{sfn|Tucker|2009|p=263}}


The Ghurid cavalry initiated the battle by launching arrows at the enemy center. The Chahamana forces counter-attacked from three sides and dominated the battle, pressuring the Ghurid army into a withdrawal.{{sfn|Spencer C. Tucker|2009|p=263}}
According to Sirhindi, the Ghurid troops suffered reverses despite having fought bravely: when Mu'izz ad-Din saw this, he charged against Govind Rai.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=87}} Minhaj states that Mu'izz ad-Din, who was riding a horse, attacked Govind Rai with a [[lance]], hitting his mouth and breaking two of his teeth. Govind Rai retaliated with a [[javelin]], severely wounding Mu'izz ad-Din's upper arm.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=86}} According to Minhaj, Mu'izz ad-Din would have died or been captured, had a young soldier not led his horse to safety. After his departure from the battlefield, the Ghurid troops were disheartened and defeated.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=47}}


According to Sirhindi, the Ghurid troops suffered reverses despite having fought bravely: when Mu'izz ad-Din saw this, he charged against Govind Rai.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=87}} Minhaj states that Mu'izz ad-Din, who was riding a horse, attacked Govind Rai with a [[lance]], hitting his mouth and breaking two of his teeth. Govind Rai retaliated with a [[javelin]], severely wounding Mu'izz ad-Din's upper arm.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=86}} According to Minhaj, Mu'izz ad-Din would have died or been captured, had a young soldier not led his horse to safety. After his departure from the battlefield, the Ghurid troops were disheartened and defeated.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=47}}
{{Quote|The Sultan turned his charger's head round and receded, and from the agony of the wound he was unable to continue on horseback any longer. Defeat befell the army of Islām so that it was irretrievably routed.|Minhaj in ''[[Tabaqat-i Nasiri]]''{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=86}} }}


{{Quote box
Mu'izz ad-Din left for Ghazni, leaving behind a garrison at Tabarhindah (Bhatinda). Prithviraj besieged the fort, and captured it sometime before the second battle of Tarain.{{sfn|Talbot|2015|p=47}} He did not pursue the Ghurid army, either not wanting to invade hostile territory or misjudging Mu'izz ad-Din's ambition.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=25}}
|quote=The Sultan turned his charger's head round and receded, and from the agony of the wound he was unable to continue on horseback any longer. Defeat befell the army of Islām so that it was irretrievably routed.
|source=Minhaj in ''[[Tabaqat-i Nasiri]]''{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=86}}
|align=center
|qalign = center
|salign=right
}}
 
Mu'izz ad-Din left for Ghazni, leaving behind a garrison at Tabarhindah. Prithviraj besieged the fort, and captured it sometime before the second battle of Tarain.{{sfn|Cynthia Talbot|2015|p=47}} He did not pursue the Ghurid army, either not wanting to invade hostile territory or misjudging Mu'izz ad-Din's ambition.{{sfn|Satish Chandra|2006|p=25}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of battles of Rajasthan|List of battles fought in Rajasthan]]
* [[List of battles of Rajasthan|List of battles fought in Rajasthan]]
*[[Second Battle of Tarain]]


==References==
==References==
Line 84: Line 78:


=== Bibliography ===
=== Bibliography ===
{{wikiquote}}
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |author=Cynthia Talbot |title=The Last Hindu Emperor: Prithviraj Cauhan and the Indian Past, 1200–2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m3DjCgAAQBAJ |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2015 |isbn=9781107118560 }}
* {{cite book |author=Talbot |first=Cynthia |title=The Last Hindu Emperor: Prithviraj Cauhan and the Indian Past, 1200–2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m3DjCgAAQBAJ |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2015 |isbn=9781107118560}}
* {{cite book |author=Dasharatha Sharma |authorlink=Dasharatha Sharma |title=Early Chauhān Dynasties |publisher=S. Chand / Motilal Banarsidass |year=1959 |isbn=9780842606189 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4gcAAAAMAAJ }}
* {{cite book |author=Sharma |first=Dasharatha |authorlink=Dasharatha Sharma |title=Early Chauhān Dynasties |publisher=S. Chand / Motilal Banarsidass |year=1975 |orig-date=1959 |isbn=9780842606189 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4gcAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{Cite book |author=Kaushik Roy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jpXijlqeRpIC |title=India's Historic Battles: From Alexander the Great to Kargil |date=2004 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-7824-109-8 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |author=Roy |first=Kaushik |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jpXijlqeRpIC |title=India's Historic Battles: From Alexander the Great to Kargil |date=2004 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-7824-109-8 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |author=Satish Chandra |title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals-Delhi Sultanat (1206-1526) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L5eFzeyjBTQC |year=2006 |publisher=Har-Anand |isbn=978-81-241-1064-5 }}
* {{cite book |author=Chandra |first=Satish |title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals-Delhi Sultanat (1206-1526) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L5eFzeyjBTQC |year=2006 |publisher=Har-Anand |isbn=978-81-241-1064-5}}
* {{cite book |author=Spencer C. Tucker |title=A Global Chronology of Conflict: From the Ancient World to the Modern Middle East |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_tSnygvbIC |year=2009 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-85109-672-5 }}
* {{cite book |author=Tucker |first=Spencer C. |title=A Global Chronology of Conflict: From the Ancient World to the Modern Middle East |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_tSnygvbIC |year=2009 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-85109-672-5}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Battles Of Tarain}}
== External links ==
[[Category:Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent]]
{{wikiquote}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Tarain}}
[[Category:Battles involving the Indian kingdoms|Tarain 1191]]
[[Category:12th century in India]]
[[Category:12th century in India]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Ghurids]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Ghurid dynasty]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Rajputs|Tarain]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Rajputs]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1191]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1191]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1192]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1192]]

Latest revision as of 23:48, 24 March 2026


First Battle of Tarain
Part of Indian campaigns of Muhammad of Ghor
Date14 January 1191
Location
Taraori (near Karnal)
29°47′N 76°56′E / 29.78°N 76.94°E / 29.78; 76.94
Result Rajput victory[1][2][3]
Territorial
changes		 Prithviraj Chauhan retakes the fortress of Tabarhindh after a thirteen month siege (possibly present-day Bhatinda)
Belligerents
Ghurid dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Muhammad of GhorTemplate:WIA
Qutubuddin Aibak
Bahauddin Tughril
Qazi Zia ud-Din Tulaki		 Prithviraj Chauhan
Pajawan Kachhwaha
Govind RaiTemplate:WIA
Skanda
Strength
Unknown, outnumbered by Rajputs[4] 100,000 Rajput cavalrymen[5]
Tarain is located in South Asia
Tarain
Tarain
Location of the First Battle of Tarain

First Battle of Tarain, also known as the First Battle of Taraori, was fought on 14 January 1191 between the Ghurid forces led by Muhammad of Ghor and the Rajput Confederacy led by Prithviraj Chauhan, near Tarain (modern Taraori in Haryana, India). The battle ended in a victory for the Rajputs; however, Muhammad of Ghor managed to escape and returned to Ghazni.[6]

After the Ghurid armies were routed, they retreated to Ghazni and left garrison of 2,000 soldiers under Zia ud-Din Tulaki to secure the fort of Tabarhind (present day Bhatinda)[7] to delay the Rajput army and was successful in keeping them at bay for thirteen months, while Muhammad of Ghor, during these months, raised a stronger army of 120,000 men, and invaded again, leading to the Second Battle of Tarain, which ended Chauhan's rule.[8]

Sources[edit | edit source]

The contemporary sources for the battle include Tajul-Ma'asir of Hasan Nizami (on the Ghurid side) and Jayanaka's Prithviraja Vijaya (on the Chahamana side).[9]

Later sources for the battle include the following Persian-language chronicles:[10]

These chroniclers call Prithviraj by various names including "Rae Kolah Pithorā" (Minhaj), "Pithor Rai" (Sirhindi), and "Pithow Ray" (Firishta). They call Prithviraj's commander-in-chief Govind Rai Tomar as "Gobind Rae" (Minhaj); "Gobind Rai" (Sirhindi); Khand, Khanda, or Khandi (Nizam al-Din and Bada'uni); and Chawund Ray (Firishta).[10]

The later sources written in Indic languages include Hammira Mahakavya and Prithviraj Raso.[11]

Background[edit | edit source]

Mu'izz ad-Din captured Multan in 1175, and in 1178, unsuccessfully invaded the Chaulukya (Solanki) Kingdom in present-day Gujarat and northern Rajasthan. Subsequently, the Ghurids defeated the Ghaznavids, and conquered Lahore in 1186.[12]

Mu'izz ad-Din sent his envoy - the Chief Judge Qiwam-ul Mulk Ruknud Din Hamza - to the court of Prithviraj, to persuade him to come to a peaceful agreement.[13] Tajul-Ma'asir, a chronicle by the Muslim writer Hasan Nizami, describes the envoy as a "prominent dignitary", who conveyed Mu'izz ad-Din's message to Prithviraj "in a refined and graceful manner", using "elegant language". The Chahamana-sponsored text Prithviraja Vijaya, which describes Mu'izz ad-Din as an "evil" beef-eating "demon", portrays the envoy as an extremely ugly person whose "ghastly white" complexion made him appear to be suffering from a skin disease, and whose speech was like "the cry of wild birds".[14]

Prithviraj refused to agree to the Ghurid envoy's terms, which according to Hasan Nizami, included converting to Islam and accepting the Ghurid suzerainty.[14] Mu'izz ad-Din then decided to invade the Chahamana kingdom.[13]

The Ghurid campaign that led to the first battle of Tarain may have started in late 1190, but the actual battle was definitely fought in early 1191 CE.[15]

Battle[edit | edit source]

Sometime before January 1191, Mu'izz ad-Din's army captured the Tabarhindah fort (probably present-day Bathinda), which was presumably under Chahamana control.[16] According to Sirhindi, sometime in 1191 (Hijri year 587), Prithviraj marched against the Ghurid army with infantry, cavalry, and an elephant force.[17] Mu'izz ad-Din was about to leave Tabarhindah, when he received the news of Prithviraj's approach; he then marched against Prithviraj, and the two armies met at Tarain.[10]

Prithviraj was accompanied by a number of feudatory rulers, whom Minhaj describes as "the whole of the Ranas of Hind". These rulers included Govind Rai, the ruler of Delhi. Sirhindi states that Govind Rai Tomar, seated on an elephant, was at the frontline, suggesting that he was the commander-in-chief of Prithviraj's army.[17] Sirhindi and later chroniclers, such as Nizam al-Din and Bada'uni, describe Govind Rai as a brother of Prithviraj.[17] Firishta also describes Prithviraj and Govind Rai as brothers, stating that the two men marched against the Ghurids in alliance with other Indian rulers. Firishta portrays Govind Rai as someone who was almost equally as powerful as Prithviraj, presumably because Govind Rai was the ruler of Delhi, which had become politically important by Firishta's time.[18]

The Ghurid cavalry initiated the battle by launching arrows at the enemy center. The Chahamana forces counter-attacked from three sides and dominated the battle, pressuring the Ghurid army into a withdrawal.[19]

According to Sirhindi, the Ghurid troops suffered reverses despite having fought bravely: when Mu'izz ad-Din saw this, he charged against Govind Rai.[17] Minhaj states that Mu'izz ad-Din, who was riding a horse, attacked Govind Rai with a lance, hitting his mouth and breaking two of his teeth. Govind Rai retaliated with a javelin, severely wounding Mu'izz ad-Din's upper arm.[20] According to Minhaj, Mu'izz ad-Din would have died or been captured, had a young soldier not led his horse to safety. After his departure from the battlefield, the Ghurid troops were disheartened and defeated.[16]

The Sultan turned his charger's head round and receded, and from the agony of the wound he was unable to continue on horseback any longer. Defeat befell the army of Islām so that it was irretrievably routed.

— Minhaj in Tabaqat-i Nasiri[20]

Mu'izz ad-Din left for Ghazni, leaving behind a garrison at Tabarhindah (Bhatinda). Prithviraj besieged the fort, and captured it sometime before the second battle of Tarain.[16] He did not pursue the Ghurid army, either not wanting to invade hostile territory or misjudging Mu'izz ad-Din's ambition.[21]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Singh, Brig K Kuldip (28 October 2023). "Chapter 7: THE GATHERING CLOUDS". Indian Military Thought KURUKSHETRA to KARGIL and Future Perspectives. Lancer Publishers LLC. ISBN 9781935501930.
  2. ↑ Sengupta, Hindol (December 2023). Soul and Sword: The Endless Battle Over Political Hinduism. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 19. ISBN 9781538126844.
  3. ↑ Ahmed Farooqui, Salma (2011). A Comprehensive History of Medieval India. Pearson India Education Services. p. 53. ISBN 9788131732021.
  4. ↑ Paul K.Davis (2001). 100 Decisive Battles: From Ancient Times to the Present. Oxford University Press. p. 133. ISBN 978-0-19-514366-9. Never had Mohmmad's troops faced such a well-trained foe, and in 1191 (no particular date has been recorded) the Rajputs had the upper hand, no numbers have been recorded either, but all account states that the Rajputs outnumbered the Moslem army
  5. ↑ Roy 2004, pp. 38–39: "The age of around 800 AD could be termed as age of steepe horsemens. The Rajputs were about to be outclassed by their outdated methods of War in era of brutuality. In 1191, Ghori fought the Rajput confederacy of one lakh Rajput calvalrymen led by Prithviraj at place called Tarain"
  6. ↑ Talbot, Cynthia (2016). The Last Hindu Emperor: Prithviraj Cauhan and the Indian Past, 1200–2000. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-11856-0.
  7. ↑ "Bhatinda History". Government of Punjab.
  8. ↑ Roy 2004, pp. 40-42: "Cavalry was not suited for laying siege to forts and Rajputs lacked both the siege machines and infantry to storm and destroy fortress walls. Tulaki was able to keep Prithviraj at bay for thirteen months. Within this time, Mahmud Ghori had raised 120,000 cavalry."
  9. ↑ Talbot 2015, pp. 29-30.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Talbot 2015, pp. 86-87.
  11. ↑ Talbot 2015, p. 88.
  12. ↑ Talbot 2015, p. 36.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Talbot 2015, p. 29.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Talbot 2015, p. 30.
  15. ↑ Talbot 2015, p. 44.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Talbot 2015, p. 47.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Talbot 2015, p. 87.
  18. ↑ Talbot 2015, p. 87-88.
  19. ↑ Tucker 2009, p. 263.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Talbot 2015, p. 86.
  21. ↑ Chandra 2006, p. 25.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=First_Battle_of_Tarain&oldid=468639"
Discover more