Vigraharaja IV (1150-1164)

The reign of Vigraharaja IV (c. 1150–1164 CE), also known as Visaladeva, is widely considered the "Golden Age" of the Chahamana Dynasty. He was a rare combination of a fierce conqueror and a brilliant man of letters.

1. Vigraharaja IV: The Scholar-Warrior (c. 1150–1164 CE)

A. Military Conquests & Expansion

Vigraharaja IV transformed the Chahamanas from a regional power into the masters of North India.

• Capture of Delhi: His most significant achievement was defeating the Tomaras and capturing Delhi (Dhillika) and Haryana. This made the Chauhans the primary guardians of the gateway to the Indo-Gangetic plains.

• Victory over the Turks: He successfully repelled the Ghaznavid invasions. Inscriptions claim he cleared the land of the "Mlechchhas" (foreigners) and made the region safe for his subjects.

• Annexation of Territory: He expanded the empire from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Vindhyas, conquering regions like Pali, Jalore, and Bijolia.

B. Patron of Arts and Literature

Vigraharaja was not just a king but a renowned poet and scholar.

• Harakeli Nataka: He composed this famous Sanskrit drama, based on the Kiratarjuniya. Parts of this play are still found inscribed on the stone slabs of the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer.

• Sanskrit College: He established a magnificent Sanskrit center of learning at Ajmer. (Later, Qutubuddin Aibak converted this structure into a mosque).

• Lalitavigraharaja Nataka: His court poet, Somadeva, wrote this play in his honor, celebrating the king's valor and romance.

C. Architectural Contributions

• Visalpur City & Dam: He founded the town of Visalpur and constructed a massive water reservoir (Visalpur Lake/Dam) to promote agriculture.

• Fortifications: He strengthened the defenses of Ajmer and Delhi, preparing them for the inevitable conflicts with northern invaders.

2. The Story: From Vigraharaja IV to Prithviraj III

The period following the death of Vigraharaja IV was one of internal instability and rapid succession, which eventually led to the rise of the legendary Prithviraj III.

The Internal Conflict

After Vigraharaja IV died in 1164 CE, his son Aparagangeya ascended the throne. However, he was a minor and was soon killed by Prithvibhatta (the son of the "patricide" Jagadeva). Prithvibhatta ruled as Prithviraj II for a few years but died without leaving an heir.

The Return of the Other Branch

With no direct heir in Ajmer, the ministers and elders looked toward Gujarat. Someshwara (the son of Arnoraja and the Chalukya princess Kanchana) was living in the Chalukya court. He was invited back to Ajmer to take the throne.

Someshwara was a capable ruler, but his reign was cut short during a conflict with the Chalukyas of Gujarat (or according to some sources, the Kalachuris). He died leaving behind two young sons: Prithviraj III and Hariraja.

The Rise of "Rai Pithora"

In 1177 CE, at the tender age of 11 or 13, Prithviraj Chauhan III was crowned King of Ajmer. Because he was a minor, his mother, Queen Kapuridevi, acted as the regent. She was a brilliant administrator and guided her son through the treacherous politics of the Rajput courts.

As Prithviraj III came of age, he proved to be a military genius. He suppressed internal revolts, defeated the Chandelas of Mahoba (the famous Alha-Udal battle), and consolidated an empire that stretched from Sthanvishvara (Thanesar) in the north to the borders of Mewar in the south. This set the stage for the final, epic showdown at Tarain against Muhammad Ghori.

Strategic Summary for UPSC (Quick Revision)