The First Battle of Tarain (Taraori) was fought between a
Ghurid force led by Mu'izz al-Din Mohammad Ghori and a Chauhan Rajput army led
by Prithviraj Chauhan in 1191 near the town of Tarain 14 miles from Thanesar in
present-day Haryana.
Background:
After helping his brother in the expansion of western
frontiers of the Ghurid Empire, Mohammed Ghori began to focus on India.
Muhammad Ghori led a series of the campaigns in India. At first Muhammad Ghori
want to bring the Muslim provinces of India under his control. Mohammed Ghori
began with campaign against the Qarmatians rulers of Multan in 1175. After the
victory over Multan, he turned south, and led his army from Multan to Uch and
then across the desert towards the Chaulukya capital of Anhilwara (modern day
Patan in Gujarat) in 1178.
On the way, he suffered a defeat against an Indian
young Chaulukya (Solanki) ruler Mularaja
II at the Battle of Kayadara, during his first campaign against a Hindu ruler
in 1178. Mohammed Ghori’s army suffered heavy casualties during the battle.
However, Mohammed Ghori was able to take Peshawar and Sialkot.
Later he became successful in seizing Peshawar and building
a fort at Sialkot in 1181. With the help of the ruler of Jammu, Jaidev he put
an end to the rule of Ghaznavids in Punjab and captured Lahore in 1186 A.D by
executing the Ghaznavid ruler Khusrau-Malik.With this conquest, the way was
opened for Ghori to push his conquests further into India. The Western Punjab
was already annexed by Mohammed Ghori. The provinces of Eastern Punjab were
within the control of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Now it’s the time for Mohammed Ghori to face the formidable
Rajputs led by the powerful Prithviraj Chauhan, ruler from Chahamana (Chauhan)
dynasty. For the defense of his kindom's north-west frontiers (Khyber Pass or
Gateway of India), King Prithviraj Chauhan had strongly fortified the bordering
towns of his kingdom.
In 1191, Mohammed Ghori proceeded towards Indian
Sub-continent through the Khyber Pass. As an initial step, Mohammed Ghori
stormed the strategic fortress of Tabarhindah (either Bhatinda or Sirhind),
which was situated within the dominion of Prithviraj Chauhan and laid siege to
the city. Historical evidences show that Prithviraj Chauhan was not prepared
for this attack made in a sudden and deceitful manner. Hence the army defending
the city was defeated and it laid down its arms after the defeat.
Muhammad Ghori placed this fort under the charge of
Zia-ud-din, the Qazi of Tulak, supported by 1200 horsemen. Prithviraj was
alerted about the news, He then marched towards Tabarhindah with his
feudatories, including Govindaraja of Delhi.
Muhammad's original plan was to return to his base after
conquering Tabarhindah, but when he received the news that Prithviraj's army,
along with Govind Raja were on their way to besiege the fortress, he decided to
put up a fight. He set out with an army, and encountered Prithviraj's forces at
Tarain.
Battle:
There was no clear details about the army strength of
Mohammed Ghori, but according to the 16th century Muslim historian Firishta,
Prithviraj's army comprised 200,000 horses and 3,000 elephants. And he was also
helped by his fellow Rajput Princes. Jai Chandra, the Rathor Raja of Kanauj.
The two armies met at Tarain, 14 miles from Thanesar in
present-day Haryana in 1191 A.D. Muhammad Ghori followed the tactics of the right, left and
centre and himself occupied a position in the centre of his army.
The battle was started by attack of Mohammed Ghori’s
archers, Prithviraj responded to attack by counter-attacking from three sides
and thus dominating the battle. Prithviraj’s army attacked both the wings of
the Ghori’s army which was scattered in all directions.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ghori was wounded in personal combat
with Prithviraj's brother, Muhammad Ghori attacked Govind Raja(the brother of
Prithvi Raj), on the mouth with his sword and knocked out his teeth. Govind
Raja returned the blow and struck Muhammad Ghori in the arm and gave a severe
wound. Stunned by his blow, Muhammad Ghori turned back and began to bleed. He
was badly injured and his strength was exhausted and he was about to fall down
from his horse. However, a soldier helped Muhammad Ghori and carried him off
the field of battle. The Muslim army dispersed in all directions. Finally the
Rajput army of Prithvi Raj Chauhan became victorious in the Battle.
After the Battle:
The Prithvi Raj’s forces chased them for 40 miles. Muhammad
Ghori did not stop at Lahore but went get back to his own country Ghazni.
Prithviraj besieged Tabarhindah. Mohammed Ghori increased his strength and army
power and reappeared in 1192 A.D, He then fought again with Prithvi Raj Chauhan
in Second Battle of Tarain.
0 Comments