Prithviraj Chauhan was a 12th-century Rajput ruler who was known for his valour and nobility as well as his interest in poetry and music. He defeated Ghori, the Islamic invader, several times but forgave him. But once the fortunes were reversed. The Muslim king blinded Prithviraj and ordered his execution, but not before asking him to show his archery skills by shooting a target blindfolded. The king’s closest friend and poet accompanied him and, through a cryptic verse, gave the coordinates of the Sultan to the King. Prithviraj shot him dead before succumbing to the assault that followed. But by then the Delhi Sultanate had passed away to Muslim rule. The defeat itself was due to the defection of one of Prithviraj’s clan. His fall was the removal of the last obstacle for the Muslim rule. The British came later, after a few more centuries.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
