Previous Year Question
Who among the following rulers is famous as “Prithvi Raj Chauhan”?
Prithvi Raj I
Prithvi Raj II
Prithvi Raj III
None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Prithviraja III was a celebrated ruler of the Chauhan or Chahamana dynasty. In history, he is commonly known as Prithviraj Chauhan and Rai Pithora. IGNOU historical material also identifies Prithviraja III as the most popular ruler of this line and as the ruler popularly known as Prithviraj Chauhan or Rai Pithora.
Prithviraja III was the son of Someshvara and grandson of Arnoraja. He assumed the Chauhan throne of Ajmer in the latter half of the 12th century. During his rule, Chauhan power became one of the major political forces in Rajasthan and the Delhi region.
His most famous military conflict was with Muhammad of Ghor. In the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 CE, Prithviraja's forces defeated Muhammad of Ghor.
In the following year, the Second Battle of Tarain was fought in 1192 CE, in which Muhammad of Ghor defeated Prithviraja III. This battle is regarded as an important event in the medieval political history of northern India.
Prithviraja I and Prithviraja II were also earlier rulers of the Chahamana dynasty, but the ruler most widely known in history as “Prithviraj Chauhan” is Prithviraja III.