Rise of Chauhans in Haryana | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Dynastic Shift

• During the decline of the Tomar Dynasty in Haryana, the Shakambhari Chauhans migrated from Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi.
• Historians often identify them as Agnikul Rajput.

Arnoraj's Expansion (1139 AD):

• Arnoraj, the Chauhan ruler of Ajmer, moved to Haryana around 1139 AD.
• Established suzerainty over the Tomar kingdom, transforming it into the Karad State.
• Vigraharaj-IV, another Chauhan ruler, captured Delhi and Hansi, solidifying Chauhan dominance.

Bhadanakas and the Haryana Connection

Bhadanakas Origins:

• Bhadanakas, linked to ancient Haryana people (Bhadras), occupied Gurugram, Mahendragarh, and Alwar in Rajasthan.
• Contemporary to Tomar and Chauhan rulers, Bhadanakas spoke Apbhramsha language.
• Historian Dasharatha Sharma suggests a probable connection to the Ahir caste.

Chauhan-Bhadanaka Relations:

• Arnoraj attacked Bhadanaka after Tomar's defeat, but an inscription reveals Bhadanakas accepted Arnoraj's rule without conflict.
• After Arnoraj's death, Bhadanakas regained independence during power struggles with Chauhan rulers.
• Mahabharata associates Bhadanakas with Rohtak-Agroha and Malwa, with present-day Rewari and Bhiwani as the Bhadra region.
• The region came to be known as Bhadanaka from Mahabharata to the middle ages.

Conflict between Bhadanakas and Chauhans

Post-Arnoraj Anarchy:

• Anarchy ensued after Arnoraj's death, and Bhadanakas became feudal lords under his subjugation.
• Exploiting the chaos, Bhadanakas established independent rule.

Chauhan Counterattack (1151 AD):

• Vigraharaja-IV attacked Bhadanakas in 1151 AD, forcing them to accept Chauhan subjugation.

Bhadanaka Resurgence:

• Amar Gangay, Prithviraj-II, and Someshwar led a Bhadanaka resurgence, regaining power and independence.
• Prithviraj-III, after Someshwar's death, attacked Bhadanakas in 1182 AD, leading to their defeat and the end of Bhadanaka rule.