Home > Indian History > History of India > First Battle of Tarain
First Battle of Tarain
The First Battle of Tarain was fought in 1191 between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan.

Share this Article:

Muhammad of GhorThe First Battle of Tarain, also known as the First Battle of Tararoi, was fought in 1191. It was fought in the town of Tarain, near Thanesar between Ghurid force led by Mu`izz al-Din and a Chauhan Rajput army led by Prithviraj Chauhan. Muhammad Ghori, after winning this battle against Prithviraj, defeated Jayachandra in the Battle of Chandawar and destroyed Buddhism in that region. Then in 1202 his army put the occupation of Hinduism to an end by taking the province of Bengal.

The First Battle of Tarain
The first move was taken by Muhammad Ghori who captured till the border of Prithviraj`s kingdom. In 1191 Muhammad captured either the Sirhind or Bhatinda fortress (which is now in Punjab) in Prithviraj`s northwestern frontier. The next step was taken by Prithviraj who along with his vassal Govinda-raja of Delhi rushed to save the frontier and the two armies met at Tarain.

The Rajput armies first defeated the two wings of the Muslim army. The Muslim army fled while Muhammad still remained in the center with the rest of the Turk soldiers. It was then Govind-raja and Muhammad of Ghori came face to face. The two were injured with repeated clashes. Muhammad could not recover from the blow and fainted from the shock. Fearing that their leader had died the army surrendered to Prithviraj and Muhammad was made a prisoner. He was brought in chains to Pithoragarh, Prithviraj`s capital. Muhammad of Ghori begged for mercy and Prithviraj inspite of repeated warnings from his ministers pardoned him.

The Second Battle of Tarain
Muhammad returned to his capital at Ghazni and the following year challenged Prithviraj once again in the Second Battle of Tarain. After reaching Lahore, he demanded for Prithviraj"s submission, but Chauhan ignored the order. Prithviraj issued a fervent appeal to his fellow Rajput chiefs to come to his aid against the Muslim invader. During the second battle, Rajput army consisted of 3,000 elephants, 300,000 cavalry and infantry whereas Mu`izz al-Din brought 120,000 fully armored men to battle. The battle took place on the same battle field like the first one. After Prithviraj Chauhan got defeated in the battle, he was captured from there.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India

History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.