Origin of Chauhans
Popular Theories on the Origin of Chauhans
There are various popular theories regarding the origin of Chauhans, each supported by historical texts, inscriptions, and scholars. The key theories include:
| Theory | Description | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Pit Theory | Chauhans, along with three other Rajput clans (Chalukya, Parmar, Pratihar), are said to have emerged from a fire pit during a ritual by Rishi Vashishtha. | Chandbardai’s Prithviraj Raso, supported by Muhannot Nainasi and Suryamall Misan. |
| Suryavanshi Lineage | According to Prithviraj Vijay, Hammir Mahakavya, and inscriptions of Vigraharaja IV, Chauhans are considered to be of the Suryavanshi lineage. | Historian Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha and the Rajputana Museum in Ajmer also affirm this. |
| Chandravanshi Lineage | The Yesi inscription and Achaleshwar temple inscription describe them as Chandravanshi. | These sources suggest they are from the lunar dynasty. |
| Brahmin Origin | Some inscriptions (e.g., Bijolia, Chandravati) describe Chauhans as Brahmins, with Dr. Dashrath Sharma also supporting this view. | The line “Vipra Shrivatsgotrebhuta” in Bijolia inscription supports this claim, although many believe kings adopted their priest’s gotra, making this theory debatable. |
| Foreign Origin | Based on rituals and customs similar to the Scythian (Shaka) race of Central Asia, some scholars suggest Chauhans may have a foreign origin. | James Todd, William Crook, and Dr. Smith suggested this view, though Dr. Ojha argued that these similarities were superficial, related more to Aryan culture spread, not origin. |
| Divine Origin (Indra’s Lineage) | In the Raipal’s Sevadi inscription, Chauhans were described as descendants of Indra. | This view aligns with earlier divine lineage claims in Indian traditions. |
Bijolia Inscription (1170 AD)
The Bijolia Inscription, found in the Parshvanath temple in Bijolia, offers crucial genealogical details about the Chauhans of Sambhar and Ajmer. According to this inscription, Vasudev, a Chauhan king, constructed Sambhar Lake and established Nagaur as the capital. His descendant, Samant Chauhan, is described as a Vatsa Gautriya Brahmin.
| Key Information in Bijolia Inscription | Details |
|---|---|
| Genealogy of Chauhans | Traces back to Vasudev, who constructed Sambhar Lake and ruled over Nagaur. |
| Conquest of Delhi by Vigraharaja IV | Provides details of the victory of Vigraharaja IV over Delhi. |
| Administrative Divisions | Includes descriptions of the state’s administrative structure: Country → Port → Town → Palli → Village and roles such as Mahattar (village head). |
| Historical Names of Cities | Offers ancient names for key cities in Rajasthan, including: – Vijayavalli (Bijolia) – Dhillika (Delhi) – Shakambhari (Sambhar) |
| Temples and Pilgrimages | Mentions land grants (Dohli) given to temples and information about Jain and Shaiva pilgrimages near the Kutila River. |
Chauhan Dynasty in Rajasthan: Key Kings
Below is a table outlining important Chauhan kings and their contributions to the history of Rajasthan:
| King | Period | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Vasudev | 551 AD (approx.) | Founder of Chauhan state, constructed Sambhar Lake, established Nagaur as capital (Bijolia Inscription). |
| Guvak I | 8th century | First independent Chauhan king, broke free from Pratihara suzerainty, held the title of Veer in Nagabhatta II’s court. |
| Ajayraj | 1105-1133 AD | Established Ajmer, issued silver and copper coins (Ajayapriya Dramma), constructed Anasagar Lake, and defeated Garjan Matango. |
| Arnoraj | 1133-1155 AD | Constructed Varaha temple in Pushkar, married into Chalukya dynasty, built Anasagar Lake. Defeated Turkish invaders and Malwa’s king Naravarman. |
| Vigraharaja IV | 1153-1163 AD | Defeated Tomar king of Delhi, defeated Chalukyas of Gujarat, established Sanskrit school and temple at Ajmer. Author of Harakeli and Lalit Vigraharaja. |
| Prithviraj Chauhan | 1177-1192 AD | Last significant ruler of the Chauhan dynasty, known for battles of Tarain against Ghauri, built Pithora Garh. Lost the second battle of Tarain, leading to Chauhan’s decline. |
Cultural and Military Contributions of the Chauhans
| Aspect | Contributions |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Built forts such as Ajmer Fort, Pithora Garh. Temples like Anasagar Lake Temple, Varaha Temple, and Saraswati Temple were established by Arnoraj and Ajayraj. |
| Literature | Vigraharaja IV patronized scholars like Somdev, who wrote Lalit Vigraharaja, while Chandbardai composed Prithviraj Raso. |
| Coins | Issued Ajayapriya Dramma coins, marking Chauhan’s dominance in the region. |
| Military Prowess | Renowned for their resistance against Muslim invaders, especially during the battles of Tarain, and numerous campaigns against Chalukyas, Parmars, and Gahadwals. |
Administrative Structure of the Chauhan Dynasty
The administrative structure during the Chauhan rule was organized into multiple tiers:
| Administrative Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Country | The largest unit in Chauhan administration. |
| Port | Administrative centers within the country. |
| Town | Urban centers, often fortified. |
| Palli | Subdivision of towns, smaller in size. |
| Village | Basic unit of administration, governed by a Mahattar. |
Impact of the Battles of Tarain (1191 & 1192 AD)
| Battle | Key Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| First Battle of Tarain (1191) | Prithviraj Chauhan vs. Muhammad of Ghauri. Reason: Ghauri captured Tabar Hind (Bhatinda). Prithviraj defeated Ghauri, who was injured and fled. | Victory for Prithviraj Chauhan. Ghauri’s forces were expelled from the region, strengthening Rajput control. |
| Second Battle of Tarain (1192) | Ghauri returned with a larger army. Prithviraj’s forces were outnumbered. Key Rajput generals did not participate in the battle. | Defeat for Prithviraj Chauhan. Prithviraj was captured, and his defeat paved the way for Ghauri’s successors to establish foreign rule in India. |
Cultural Achievements of Prithviraj Chauhan
Prithviraj Chauhan’s reign saw significant cultural developments:
| Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Art and Architecture | Built Pithora Garh near Delhi, established forts and temples. |
| Literature | Patronized scholars like Chandbardai, who wrote Prithviraj Raso, and Jayanak, who composed Prithviraj Vijay. |
| Coinage | Issued coins bearing his name and queen’s name (Ajayapriya Dramma). |
| Religious Patronage | Supported both Jain and Hindu temples, granted land to religious institutions, and encouraged debates between Digambara and Shwetambara scholars. |
The Chauhan dynasty, particularly the Chauhans of Ajmer, played a critical role in shaping medieval Indian history. Their valor, administrative skills, and cultural contributions are well
What a foolish comment you guys have made about Prithviraj Chauhan’s height. I must say your knowledge of history is zero. And who told you that average height at his time was 5 feet. Don’t publish false things about history. First educate yourself then say anything. Disgusting!!
Hey there,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I completely understand your surprise – historical facts can vary widely. From our research, Prithviraj Chauhan’s height is estimated to be around 5.78 feet, close to six feet, assessed partly through the gear he used, including his armor, weaponry like swords and spears, and even references in ancient texts and depictions of his time.
Some historical evidences also says 100 angul (5.9 – 5.11 inches) of height.
5 Feet was considered a normal height at that time and comparing Prithviraj Chauhan’s estimated height to it proves height’s role in his bravery.
Indeed, a warrior’s greatness is far more than just their height – it’s about their courage and valor. Prithviraj Chauhan exemplified this through his remarkable bravery, notably evident in his 16 triumphant battles against Gazni. His legacy as a legendary and revered king remains unparalleled.
For more insight, you might find this link helpful: https://studentera.in/questions/question/q-what-was-the-height-of-prithviraj-chauhan/
Thank you once again for engaging in this fascinating historical discussion!
What a foolish comment you guys have made about Prithviraj Chauhan’s height. I must say your knowledge of history is zero. And who told you that average height at his time was 5 feet. Don’t publish false things about history. First educate yourself then say anything. Disgusting!!
Hey there,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I completely understand your surprise – historical facts can vary widely. From our research, Prithviraj Chauhan’s height is estimated to be around 5.78 feet, close to six feet, assessed partly through the gear he used, including his armor, weaponry like swords and spears, and even references in ancient texts and depictions of his time.
Some historical evidences also says 100 angul (5.9 – 5.11 inches) of height.
5 Feet was considered a normal height at that time and comparing Prithviraj Chauhan’s estimated height to it proves height’s role in his bravery.
Indeed, a warrior’s greatness is far more than just their height – it’s about their courage and valor. Prithviraj Chauhan exemplified this through his remarkable bravery, notably evident in his 16 triumphant battles against Gazni. His legacy as a legendary and revered king remains unparalleled.
For more insight, you might find this link helpful: https://studentera.in/questions/question/q-what-was-the-height-of-prithviraj-chauhan/
Thank you once again for engaging in this fascinating historical discussion!