Indian Army under Prithviraj Chauhan is known for giving a tough fight to the Muslim invaders. While the 11th century had witnessed the passing of Punjab into the hands of the Muslim invaders and the establishment of their strongholds in that area, the next century saw the expansion of their power further east. With their capital at Ajmer the Chauhans had already expanded their dominions particularly in the north towards Punjab. In 1167 Bathinda Fort was captured from the Muslims. Old forts were repaired and new ones built. These were all strongly garrisoned with troops and provisions stocked. Important towns were also fortified.

Some commanders have figured prominently, more than once against each other but often have they crossed swords on the same battle field and settled the outstanding score in such a decisive manner as was done at Tarain. The contestants for power were Prithviraj representing the flower of Rajput chivalry, then extending his influence in north India and Muhammad Ghori on the other bent upon building an empire in the country. The two battles stand poles apart in the employment of tactics. While in the first one Prithviraj routed the highly mobile cavalry of Muhammad Ghori by sheer weight of numbers employed on the flanks, in the latter battle these were reversed with decisive effect. Highly trained and organised forces, with the employment of concentrated firepower and mobile reserves once again established themselves in battle against superior numbers. Bathinda, with its strong fortress formed the northern-most outpost of the Chauhan ruler. From here he could watch the incursions of the invaders from the north-west. In 1189 Muhammad surprised the Bathinda garrison and occupied the town. Prithviraj Chauhan, who was then campaigning in the south, took immediate measures to meet the threat. He collected around two lakh cavalry and 3,000 elephants and marched north to give battle.

Muhammad Ghori divided his army into three divisions and extended them on his front. He himself commanded the centre. Taking advantage of his superior numbers and mobile forces the army under Prithviraj Chauhan opened the attack and continued to keep up a concentrated fire. Simultaneous thrusts were made from both the flanks also and so much pressure was brought to bear upon the enemy that they were forced to give way and soon Muhammad`s front became an inverted circle. Continued onslaughts of the Rajputs on this front soon made his position very precarious. After this the Muslim army quickly dispersed and Prithviraj won a decisive victory. This was Muhammad`s second defeat in India. The Rajputs then besieged Bathinda. Thus, from this incident, it becomes clear that Indian Army under Prithviraj Chauhan was very well organised as he was a brilliant general.