Jaichand of Kannauj

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Jaichand
Raja
Birth name Jayachandra
Successor Harish Chandra (as a subordinate of Muhammad Ghori)
Father Vijaypal
Mother Roopsundari (daughter of Anangpal Tomar)

Jaichand was a ruler of the Kannauj kingdom. He belonged to the Gaharwar dynasty, subsequently known as the Rathore dynasty.[1] He was the father of Sanyogita, Prithviraj Chauhan's wife. He was defeated and killed by Muhammad Ghori at the Battle of Chandawar in 1193-94.

Sources

Jaichand is mentioned in Prithviraj Raso, a semi-historical legend on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan; a similar account occurs in Ain-i-Akbari (16th century). Other sources include inscriptions and other accounts of the Battle of Tarain. His court poet Bhatta Kedar wrote a eulogy titled Jaichand Prakash (c. 1168) on his life, but the work is now lost. Another lost eulogy on his life is the poet Madhukar's Jaya Mayank Jas Chandrika.[2]

Legendary account

The most popular account of Jaichand's life occurs in Prithviraj Raso and its several recensions, but the historicity of this legend is disputed by many historians.[3] According to this legend, after becoming one of the most powerful rulers in North India, Jaichand decided to conduct a symbolic sacrifice (yajna) to declare his supremacy. Prithviraj, a rival king, did not accept his suzerainty. Jaichand was a cousin of Prithviraj: their mothers were sisters belonging to the Tomar clan.[4]

Jaichand insulted Prithviraj by erecting a statue that depicted him as a doorkeeper of his palace. An angry Prithviraj raided Jaichand's palace, and later eloped with his daughter Samyogita against his wishes. Thus, Prithviraj and Jaichand became sworn enemies. When Muhammad Ghori (also known as Sultan Shahabuddin) invaded India, Jaichand allied with Ghori, and helped defeat Prithviraj. However, Ghori later turned against Jaichand and defeated him at the Battle of Chandawar.

Death and legacy

According to one account, Jaichand was killed in the Battle of Chandawar. According to another account, he was taken as a prisoner to Ghazni, where he was killed after attempting to assassinate Muhammad Ghori with an arrow.[5] Jaichand's son Harish Chandra ruled Kannauj as a subordinate of Muhammad Ghori until 1225 CE, when Iltutmish ended his reign.[6]

Because he allegedly helped a foreign invader defeat the Indian king Prithviraj, Jaichand became a symbol of treachery in the Indian folklore.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Vincent A. Smith (1 January 1999). The Early History of India. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. pp. 385–. ISBN 978-81-7156-618-1. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
  2. ↑ K. B. Jindal (1955). A history of Hindi literature. Kitab Mahal. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
  3. ↑ Rāmavallabha Somānī (1981). Prithviraj Chauhan and his times. Publication Scheme. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
  4. ↑ M. L. Bhagi (1965). Medieval India: Culture and Thought. Indian Publications. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
  5. ↑ Abū al-Faz̤l ibn Mubārak (1891). The Ain-i-Akbari. Asiatic Society of Bengal. pp. 301–302. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
  6. ↑ Radhey Shyam Chaurasia (1 January 2002). History Of Ancient IndiaEarliest Times To 1000 A.d.. Atlantic Publishers. pp. 213–. ISBN 978-81-269-0027-5. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
  7. ↑ Ram Gopal (1 January 1994). Hindu Culture During and After Muslim Rule: Survival and Subsequent Challenges. M.D. Publications. p. 19. ISBN 978-81-85880-26-6. Retrieved 23 July 2013. 
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