TLIAW: After Tarain - A Prithviraj III Victory TL

Prologue
PROLOGUE: THE SONS OF KINGS
Terror reigned across the battlefield as the Ghorid cavalry flanked around and smashed into the infantry of Prithviraj, almost breaking through each time. Four such assaults had taken place and the Ghorid soldiers had been repulsed every single time, despite their inherent superior quality. Armed to the teeth with Damascus steel swords and ornate helmets, Ghori had gone out of his way to provide his forces with the best possible equipment a ghazi could have. He had emptied out his treasury to make sure he got as many men in the best quality as he could and everything rode on this one campaign succeeding, everything rode on Prithviraj being crushed out here on the field.

So when the enemy refused to buckle under such pressure he was surprised. Eh Allah, why do you bless the infidel and idolator with such luck? I have armed my men with the best I can afford, I have made sure that he will get no support from his fellow countrymen and vassals and I have brought the Turk much glory. Yet still victory is not within my grasp? I shall have to use other methods for a victory. These Rajputra have spine, I'll give them that. But I'll make sure they know the price for defying Mu'izz ad-Din Muhammad Ghori, Sultan-e-Hindustan, ghazi and loyal servant of the Prophet.

"Taj al-Din, how many units have we lost trying to flank the enemy's infantry?" he asked authoritatively. The young ghulam was like a son to him and thus was there at all times beside him to give him advice, from a young man's point of view. He's grown up so quickly. One day Ikhtiyar, Qutb and Iltutimish will all become men just as Taj has.

"My lord, we have lost two khefals of the five we fielded at the beginning of the battle. I would suggest we commit the rest of the cavalry to the battle by hitting them in the left flank, rather than trying to encircle them. These folk fight harder when they know that death is guaranteed."

Ghori closed his eyes and gave the young man a smirk. The boy had become a man yet he still had no idea of the realities of warfare. Mu'izz ad-Din made a mental note to give Taj al-Din lessons on how to truly understand one's opponent once they returned to Ghor.

"My dear boy, what you don't understand is that these foes we fight today are not only worshipers of false demons, but also reckless, erratic and stupid. They call themselves Rajputra; 'Sons of Kings', in the crude tongue that they speak. They consider themselves above all other men despite lacking the culture of a Persian, finesse of a Turk or the bravery of an Afghan." he spoke, looking at the young man. Then he turned back to view the battlefield from his horse upon the hill. From his vantage point he could clearly see the enemy infantry locking horns with the infantry he had got from his local allies, especially the lord of Kannauj, Jayachanda. Off behind that one could vaguely make out his enemy's depleted cavalry contingent rallying around their king.

"You know Taj, the last time I faced this infidel upon this field I lost. In one brash move I had tried to capture his lands and I had thought that the will of Allah alone would carry me. But I was young and what I didn't realise was that God favours those who plan and calculate their steps."

"What happened once you lost my lord?" the young man asked, looking at Mu'izz inquisitively.

"A fate worse than death fell upon me. I was captured by Prithviraj and I thought he was going to execute me. If only that had happened, I would have still died with the words of Jihad upon my lips. No. He released me and sent me back to Ghazni with a paltry sum as a token of 'good will'. He had defaced and dishonoured me and from that day have I been waiting for this moment."

"But my lord, the battle remains in stalemate at the moment. This is no victory."

"Oh but it is. The 'failed' cavalry flanks were never going to succeed, their infantry is simply too good and well defended at this point. They were simply to give the enemy false hope, make them think that they can win this battle. I know Prithviraj, I have studied his character from afar. If we start routing he will give chase.

Taj, I want you to light a fire arrow. Jahngdar Nasruddin has already been given orders to feign a retreat should I give the singal. Once I tell you to, fire the arrow directly towards the center of the hill where the enemy cavalry is. Our forces will start breaking off and the enemy will give chase. When their formation is broken you will order the remaining three khefals of horsemen to cut down the enemy. Prithviraj however is to be bought to me alive. I have plans to make sure he pays for the disgrace he bought upon me."

The boy nodded and both of them continued to watch the battle. The hourglass kept turning as the Ghorid cavalry smashed against the spear wall of Rajputs to no avail, but their Ghulam training prevented them from routing when most other forces would have. A few hours past and the sun which had beat down upon them so harshly had now begun to set, the arc of it starting to return to it's heavenly abode.

Ghori saw that the two khefals of cavalry that had been charging were by now severely depleted and their enemy exhausted from repealing their charges. On the left flank the enemy infantry continued to be locked in combat with his Rajput auxillary units donated by Jayachanda. The time is right. Now will be the moment to strike.

Ghori raised his arm up and faced his sword to the sky. Taj al-Din nodded and procured an arrow from a Ghulam guard standing beside the two mounted men. Taj drew back the arrow which was coated in an incendiary liquid and fired it. The flaming projectile left no glow on the afternoon sky, yet was visible from across the battlefield. Right on queue, the Turkic and auxiliary infantry began to make a cautious retreat under the supervision of Jahngdar Nasruddin. Within fifteen or so minutes the army had retreated further away from the battle line and the hidden three khefals of cavalry had formed up in the brush.

Ghori eagerly awaited it as the enemy sent out their 200 elephants after the retreating spear. The break of formation had begun. As the two hundred magnificent and large beasts trampled of towards his feigned rout he waited for the rest of the army to give chase. And he waited. Followed by some more waiting. Followed by even more waiting. That's when it struck him. They weren't going to break formation.

"My lord the enemy is not giving chase and their elephants are wreaking terror upon us despite taking casualties. What do we do?" asked Taj al-Din, the young man was clearly exasperated and worried as his face turned red and he large beads of sweat rolled down his black hair.

Ghori couldn't even respond as he saw his entire infantry contingent destroyed before his eyes, the great painted behemoths flicking men aside as a man would to a fly. The remaining three khefals charged ahead to engage the enemy and try to save the situation but it was no use. The cavalry got bogged down and that's when the horns sounded and the Rajputs advanced, the enemy cavalry riding ahead and butchering his khefals. Despite their Ghulam status and hardened training a man can only endure so much, causing the Turkic cavalry to break and thus the rest of the army. Those that didn't break immediately were then cut down as the Rajput infantry marched forth.

"Men abandon the banners and camp, Taj, ready your horse we must make for Ghazni in haste. The Rajput wouldn't dare follow us there." he shouted as his guards mounted and he turned his horse towards the west. Taj quickly followed, but as they started galloping towards Ghazni, over the hill cam more sounds of horns and a new army entered the fray. From what it could be seen, the banners before them were of a bright red umbrella shielding an eagle.

"My lord Mu'izz, I recognise those banners! Those are the Bhattis of Laudrava! Perhaps the king Rawal Jaisal has come to our aid?"

But before Ghori could answer or even consider a response an arrow pierced the throats of on of his guards. It seemed as if the king Rawal Jaisal hadn't taken kindly to the threats Jayachanda had sent on his behalf to the man. Mu'izz ad-Din tried to maneuver his horse away, but his steed had panicked when another arrow landed in it and it crashed upon its side. The world slowly darkened and faded as Ghori felt searing pain on his leg, after which he couldn't feel his leg.

Ah... I-I must make it back to Ghazni. I w-won't let the infidel capture me or Taj. I won't let them capture Ikhtiyar, Qutb'uddin or Iltutmish. Wait my boys I am coming.

-------------

As promised, I bring to you After Tarain a TLIAW in which Prithviraj wins the 2nd Battle of Tarain as he doesn't fall into Ghori's trap of a feigned retreat. Despite that being the actual game-changing event, the POD is because Prithviraj snaps out of his lovesickness a bit quicker due to Samyogita pushing him to do so, unlike OTL where he left his mustering till too late. Here he takes a proactive step and allies himself with the Bhattis of Laudrava, who've just had their capital of Laudrava sacked by Ghori, forcing them to relocate to Jaisalmer.

Thus not only does Prithviraj not feel cornered and having to make a quick decisive victory, but also has some sturdy Rajput allies. Next update will either be tomorrow or the day after.
 
Last edited:
Superb start, keep it coming!

In particular, lets see if the Rajputs can take and hold Afghanistan..
 
I had actually always wondered about this exact POD, huge ramifications on the history of India. Interested to see where you take this, will Privthiraj Chauhan be able to start a long lasting dynasty of his own?
 
Glad to see this idea explored -- looking forward to more!

Thanks. I'm looking forward to writing more! One thing I'm trying is to keep it narrative style, but to avoid using the point of view of Prithviraj himself. I'll be using the POVs of people like Kanh, one of his superb officers and Chand Bardai his greatest friend and chronicler.

Superb start, keep it coming!

In particular, lets see if the Rajputs can take and hold Afghanistan..

Thanks a lot! We'll really see if Ghori is right about whether Prithviraj can give chase back to Ghazni, the first and foremost small city in Afghanistan at the moment.

Kabul of this time is tiny compared to it, a simply and motte and Bailey in which the castle is filled described as "...filled with native Mohommedans, not a single Turk present, and the town itself populated by infidels from Al-Hind..."- Al-Biruni, 1060, amazing Muslim physicist and even better scholar and travelogue writer.

Great timeline so far. Keep it up.

I'm happy a lot of people seem to think so. The biggest challenge I faced writing this POV, of Ghori himself, is that he's just such a massive arsehole and unlike Mahmud of Ghazni/Sebuktigin he has little to no redeeming features in his favours. Despite previous beliefs, I was reading an article by Romila Thapar and found out that Ghazni was actually not a religious zealot and did not actually destroy Somnath. Apparently the temple itself was not harmed and the Shiv Lingam within it was taken, broken down to be made the steps of his new mosque in Ghazni, but only because he considered it a beautiful artefact. He also was apparently quite generous to his Hindu and Jain soldiers in that he didn't put a jizya on them. And obviously he was also a scholarly man who commissioned Ferdowsi to make Shahanameh.


Ghori on the other hand is a man that went back on his word, repaid kindness with treachery, was a blatant pillager, became an arrogantly cunning religious zealot, a heavy drinker and just an inherently violent man. I think one of the few redeeming factors was his love for his Ghulam slave boys and the care and love he bestowed upon them as if they were his biological sons, thus I have really tried to play that up.

I had actually always wondered about this exact POD, huge ramifications on the history of India. Interested to see where you take this, will Privthiraj Chauhan be able to start a long lasting dynasty of his own?

Oh yeah. Basically it always falls back down to with Prithviraj at the head of not only the cadet Tomar dynasty of Delhi but the Chauhans of Ajmer, he was the second most strongest ruler in North India. Jaichand Rathore of Kannauj was the most powerful but his daughter absconded with Prithviraj and thus destroyed his prestige as well as the Bahttis of Jaisalmer, the Tomars of Gwalior and the Gahlots of Chittor defecting to him in this TL since he has defeated Ghori.

And yes Prithviraj will create a long lasting dynasty of his own. I truly believe had he won at Taraina second time, Prithviraj would have changed the face of the sub-continent. He was a second Harsha Vardhana in the making and it just seems that fate was against him OTL. In this TL he will make a distinguishable mark upon Hindustan. How so you ask? Well stay tuned for the next few updates...
 
Last edited:

longsword14

Banned
@Shahrasayr , what exactly is the problem with Indian armies? Where ever I read about the long distance expeditions by largely cavalry armies into India, it seems like larger Indian armies close at home were not able to win anything of significance. Was the reason political (regional powers fighting against one another with invaders getting support), leadership (how could things always go wrong for one side and always right for others) or some other combination?
Any god sources about this time span. All historical sources of this period are so mixed with propaganda and bad history that it of no more use than as a rough guide.
 
@Shahrasayr , what exactly is the problem with Indian armies? Where ever I read about the long distance expeditions by largely cavalry armies into India, it seems like larger Indian armies close at home were not able to win anything of significance. Was the reason political (regional powers fighting against one another with invaders getting support), leadership (how could things always go wrong for one side and always right for others) or some other combination?
Any god sources about this time span. All historical sources of this period are so mixed with propaganda and bad history that it of no more use than as a rough guide.

It's related to politics and technological organisation of the armies themselves. Repeatedly throughout the history of India invaders have played off the local princes against each other, the fragmented kingdoms always acting like basket of crabs in that they would rather pull down the one who was almost out of the basket rather than help each other.

The secondary reason for the constant failure of Indian armies when up against cavalry based invaders is the fact that very few people were actually allowed to be properly equipped. The Indian caste system in the north allowed levies to be raised and non-Kshatriyas to be armed however only those of a martial caste usually were able to armed with proper armour and training in warfare. The levies raised with this system would gain experience on the campaign trail, yes, but they would only be given minimal training in how to actually fight. This system continued all the way till the 1500s which was when the Mughals actually implemented some much needed reforms.

Another reason for constant loss to foreign cavalry based armies was that since the golden age of the Gupta and before that invaders used to come into India, ransack a little bit and finally settle down and be given a place in the Indian caste fold. When the Turkic invaders came with Islam most rulers didn't realise that unlike the previously polytheistic and animistic worshipping hordes these were properly armed and well trained armies fuelled with a zeal for a faith that was incompatible with the caste system which many of the Brahminical kings held dear.
 
Last edited:

longsword14

Banned
If what you said is true about the effect of the caste system then the collective Indian ruler class must have been morons for a millennium or more.All societies have classes and groups that have felt secure by playing up a superstitious angle but pragmatism softens this influence somewhat. A country so large with such resources being so bad at war boggles me.
Well, such is the history of my country.
 
If what you said is true about the effect of the caste system then the collective Indian ruler class must have been morons for a millennium or more.All societies have classes and groups that have felt secure by playing up a superstitious angle but pragmatism softens this influence somewhat. A country so large with such resources being so bad at war boggles me.
Well, such is the history of my country.

Well it's not as if it was utterly stupid. It was simply antiquated in its ideals.

Basically India in the 12th century was still culturally stuck in the 3rd century, so what was applicable within the Indian kingdoms worked. When the large Rajput kingdoms went to war against each other they used the traditional techniques of elephant charges and terrible quality en masse levies. And that was fine when they were dealing within themselves. However the real problem comes when they had to deal with foreign invasions, heavy cavalry such as the cataphracts were in large use since the 3rd century in Byzantium and Iran, however heavy cavalry didn't catch on in India well into the 900s and it took till the end of the Delhi Sultanate for it to be properly integrated into their warfare.
 
Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE: AFTER TARAIN
Excitement and vibrant colours were seen everywhere as the Maharaja had marched his depleted and weary, yet victorious army back within the walls of Delhi yesterday afternoon. Chand himself had taken the initiative when the messenger had come riding ahead with the announcement that the Rajputra had achieved victory once again at Tarain. The entire kingdom had let out a collective sigh as the invasion of Ghori had been thwarted and the threats to Prithviraj's suzerainty had been further narrowed down. Yet the really good news for Chand had been when he learnt not only had Ghori's army been routed, but the filthy barbarian had been captured and he awaited trial by the king himself. I know the king, he'll try and act chivalrous once again. I need to make sure that the treacherous rat Ghori does not leave the beautiful walls of Rai Pithora alive. I'm sure if I can make favour with the Bhatti raja we are hosting I can gain enough favour to hopefully convince the Maharaja. From what I recall Ghori has already sacked his ancestral seat and threatened to attack his new seat of Jaisalmer alongside Jayachanda.

Chand stepped out onto the balcony and let the cooling breeze blow through his hair. Delhi was beautiful by night, the dust which used to coat the city red during daytime settled down at night and under lantern light the stars above would illuminate the city ever more beautifully than the light of the sun could. As he stepped outside he noticed a few guards where standing outside and simply rolling dice, probably gambling away their pay and fortune.

"What restrains us Rajputs, how can we claim to be above all men by birth when sometimes we are just as or perhaps even more flawed than them in our actions." he spoke out loud to no one in particular. Then a knock was heard on the door of his chambers and he turned around and walked to open it. A servant greeted him and held in his hand a bronze platter with a note.

"From the Maharani my Bardaiji. A letter of urgency for your eyes only."

"What is in it my good man?"

"I do not know esteemed sir. This is a private message for your eyes only, 'twas the queen's explicit orders." said the man as he handed the platter to him. Chand thanked the servant and closed the door behind him as the man exited. He settled himself down upon his seat and unrolled the piece of paper. He broke the wax seal upon it and took the letter into his hands, carefully studying it.

"To Chand Bardai,

Chand from what I have learnt from the short time that I have been involved in my dear husband Prithviraj's life you have been a cornerstone of guidance. You have always been there to help him control his anger, temper his emotions and praise his deeds, but you have also been there to berate him for doing so, teach him how to behave better morally and have been like an older brother to him. Now I have a favour to ask of you.

Prithviraj for all his valour and heroism is simple and is being molded by men with a better grasp of politics than him. Yesterday while we were spending some time in my chambers together a maid approached us and told us that a envoy from the Sisodiyas of Chittor had arrived. They offered to swear vassalage to him as well as give him the finest Rajput cavalry left in Hindustan to his banner, something that will no doubt come in use in the campaign my sweet husband is planning against the barbaric tribesmen from which Ghori has spawned.

But their demands are something I cannot bear. They want to first oust my father from and our entire clan from Kannauj. My father has been petty in the past and I know that he has not and probably never will consent to my marriage with Prithviraj but I love him regardless, my house may now be that of Chauhan but my blood still runs Garware. Despite the many times I have begged him not to do so he has simply replied 'It shows how wonderful a woman you are, loving your father regardless. Never change my beloved.' He refuses to listen to me because I am a Gaware.

I cannot allow for such a war to happen, it's one thing to fight and defeat each other in battle, it's another to end the bloodline of the other. So I beseech you my dear friend, please somehow find a way to convince Prithviraj from making war upon my father. The last thing Rajputs need right now is to war amongst each other. I promise that if you can help me out in such a way I will aid you in whatsoever

From Samyogita, Maharani of Delhi and Ajmer"
Chand rolled the scroll shut and put his face in palms, releasing a deep sigh. The Maharaja would hold court on the morrow and from what it looked like tonight was the only night he had to formulate a plan to make sure that not only was Ghori executed but that a peaceful resolution could be found with Jayachanda or a conflict at least delayed until a new army could be rearmed and raised to fighting standards. Prithviraj had always listened to Chand when it came to matters of the heart and mind, he had listened when the subject was poetry and passion. But this was different. Chand used to get his influence in military matters across by using trusted men like Kanh or Bagh Rai, top officers in the army. Now both men were no longer there to aid him; Kahn lay dead in some field to the east slain by Jaichand's soldiers when they had gone to rescue retrieve Samyogita and Bagh Rai had gone to Ajmer after Tarain with the Ajmeri soldiers and let them disperse.

"No, the times are changing and so must I. I shall have to look for new allies and I think I may know where to find them. Prithviraj may not listen to me if I am the sole person asking for Ghori's execution, or even if the Maharani also demands it. But if a vassal is thrown in to the mix there his sensibilities will definitely be swayed." he said as he pulled out a piece of paper and dipped his quill in some ink. A new chapter would be needed to be penned down in the Raso. As he started writing and composing in his head he kept in mind that he would also need to send letters of his own out later that night.

On the morrow when the sun broke over the dry flat plains surrounding Delhi and its fort of Lalkot, a victorious King held and attended court after a long absence to the joy of many. Cases of law were heard in court and many decisions passed left both sides feeling satisfied. Traders came from all across the land and gave gifts to a victorious King and even horse traders from distant Pesia bought fine steeds for the many Rajput lords assembled.

"It is the year 1113 Saka Samvat, a date predicted to be most auspicious and it truly is for our glorious Maharaj has triumphed over the barbarian filth that had dared to invade Rajput lands and tried to impose his barbarism over the Dharma." announced Vaibhavacharya, the venerable old man of the court. He was the guru and mentor of the court, one whose mind could rival even the great Kautilya in shrewdness.

"All will accept the suzerainty of Prithviraj one day! Prithviraj Maharaj ki Jai! Dharmapati ki Jai!" shouted out someone as a random cheer and soon all in the court were chanting to the amusement of the Maharaj and the bemusement of his queen and allied kings there. Chand from his side of the court simply remained seated at his cushioned seats and continued to pen down the happenings. He saw the Maharaj was looking at him with some sort of longing for approval, which Chand responded to with a warm smile. The man is an accomplished tactician, hunter and warrior but he still feels uncomfortable when it comes to actually ruling his kingdom. Sometimes I think he is no short of Sikandar in his character.

Chand noticed that his reassurance had made the king feel sure and confident, so much so that he stood up from his throne and signaled to his guards, who pounded the butts of their spears on the ground for silence in the hall. Eventually the roar quietened down and court was silence Prithviraj gave a second glance for reassurance to Chand who once again reciprocated it with a look of pride and reassurance. With that Prithviraj took his crown off his head and looked to the hall before speaking with his booming voice,

"My friends and leal sunjects. Let it be known that each one of you here is precious to me and your loyalty is what matters to me most, it matters to me more than this enameled crown upon my head, more than these rich robes that adorn me and this goal that I wear upon my body. For right now I don't speak to you as a king or ruler, I speak as a Rajput. The defenders of this land, the practitioners of valour and guardians of the weak and needy. But today not only am I a Rajput, but every single soul in this hall, every single man that wielded steel alongside me at Tarain, we are all Rajputra," thundered his voice across the hall. To these words a great cry of approval rang across the hall. Chand looked across to Vaibhavacharya, who looked visibly confused by these words. Heh, he's an old man Prithvi. Leave him to his ways lest you make his heart stop.

"And I don't want to be the suzerain of all Bharata, for from it. The reason I fought against Jayachanda," he said, before looking at his smiling wife and continuing, "well at least one of them. Another was that the Gahrware of Kannauj has tried to perform the Rajasuya Yajna and tried to show tyranny over the rest of the lands of this earth. When I was young I tried to do the same thing, going to war against the noble Chandels of Khajurao, I then went to war against the ancient Solankis of Anhilwar for nothing but power hungry glory. All this while the Turk marched in and sacking and plundering our lands. No longer I say. The first time I defeated him at Tarain I allowed Ghori to leave in peace. By the honour one bestows upon kings I shall do so again. I captured him fairly in combat and he shall be allowed to return to his kingdom."

The hall began to clamor as he said this. A lot of people were visibly worried and a few were even angry and starting to raise their voices, they must have been quite angry to do so as Prithviraj was not someone would want to face head on. Striking a impressive figure at nearly seven feet of height, Chand had once seen Prithviraj cleave a tigress in half through her spine when he had accompanied him on a hunt. Chand stood up a bit and straightened himself as the room began to move and cause a general uproar. Please let him have received the letter. If the Rana has not received the letter then surely the vile snake Ghori will be returned safe to his stinking mountain home by our chivalrous Maharaj.

Just as the clamour of the hall was starting to get out of hand the guards getting frisky as well, a voice spoke up. No one noticed him at first but soon enough everyone was looking at the white haired yet young lord standing before them all with a soft spoken voice. An albino adorned in red garments and the colours of Jaisalmer stepped up before the Maharaja and knelt before him. Prithviraj gave an approving look and gestured for the man to speak.

"My Maharaj, I come before you to plead the case to not allow the scum that is Ghori to live to see the next full moon."

"But to do so would violate the kshatriya code and it would be cowardly to execute a foreign king who has been defeated fairly upon the battlefield."

"That may be so but when the man in question cares not for such a code and refuses to act chivalrous and with any honour required by kings and men alike. He came to Laudrava when me and my army had gone to parley with the Solankis to our south and they burnt down the fort and left the town in flames, our beautiful Jain temples in ruins and took our womenfolk and children as slaves past the hills of Afghanistan. Ghori engaged in rapine plunder across the land an ransacked not only my lands but also the lands of the Solanki with whom I had been concluding a peace." he softly explained, looking intently at the Maharaj. Chand had turned to face Prithviraj who was starting to look decidedly uncomfortable about.

"But then we should surely rise above the vile deeds you assign to the Sultan Ghori. When I fought against him at Tarain both times he used strategies that were completely honourable. If anything by this standard Jayachanda should be captured and executed when I crush him in the field." At these words Samyogita turned and looked at Prithviraj with surprise, distaste and horror. The entire hall also started to murmur once again, Vaibhavacharaya looked visibly shaken by this statement and the Bhatti Raja was slightly stunned. How could this man side with the foreign fiend over his own Rajput brethren. Looks like I'll need to step in. Rana Jaisal has done his part in this, now I'll need to do mine.

Standing up from his postion on the left flank of the hall he walked before Prithviraj and knelt. The Maharaj took him by his shoulders and raised him up himself. "Do you also have something to say Chand that will deter me from honourable and righteous action?" he joked as he resumed his seat back on his throne. He's being adamant today especially. By the Gods, he is descended from both the lines of Chauhan and Tomar but somehow he managed to get the stubbornness of Delhi as well as the hardiness of Ajmer.

"
My lord, do you how many great realms rule by Rajputs there are at the moment?" Chand asked with a air of simplicity. Prithviraj gave a simple shake of his head.

"My lord there are many, let us count them. The Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer, your own most illustrious of houses, the Rathores of Kannauj, the Chandells of Khajurao and Mahoba, the Sisodiyas of Chittor, the Solankis of Anilhwar, the Parmars of Dhar, your cousins the Tomars of Gwalior. But I am not done for many great families remain unamed. The Parihars of Mandore, the Kalachuris of Tripore, the Rathores of Mertya, born of union within the now extinct Gaharwares and the Parihars, and the Bhattis of Jaisalmer, the new fort being constructed since the great halls of Ludraova are now in ruin," he said making sure to highlight the injustic made upon the Bhattis. "By letting Ghori live you not only anger all of these mighty and proud kingdoms, and I mean this with all respect I can must Maharaj, but you spit upon our traditions.

We are meant to be the defenders of this land, the upholders of the law so that peoples of other castes and births may continue their trade in peace. By making war upon each other we negate the purpose of the Rajput. We have no reason to live if we let the invader come and plunder the lands we swore to protect but instead choose to make war upon one and other. So let there be no conflict in your mind, Ghori must die for you have already given him a fair chance once. He slapped aside your generosity and trampled upon it."

"Perhaps, but Jaichand gave him good Rajput soldiers to fight against me at Tarain. Ghori may be an invader but Jaichand is a true traitor to our peoples!" exclaimed Prithviraj in his defence. He knew his case of valour and righteousness was starting to be broken apart.

"But is he now not your father? You have married his daughter, a child born from his seed and whatever children you sire upon your beautiful queen will also have the Rathore name to them just as much as Chauhan-Tomar. Let us also not forget they are also members of the Gaharware bloodline. Surely you would not you want the memory of their father to be that he killed their grandfather?"

"But how can I forgive his treachery? Only a weak ruler can let such a blatant move against his suzerainty and betrayal of his lands and people go unpunished. I'll say it again, Ghori might be an invader but perhaps it is only because he comes from wretched land seeking a fortune here. It has happened in the past, why the fearsome Huna Raja Toramana came and destroyed the great universities of the Buddha Sangha but his descendants, the Solankis have adopted the Rajput way."

"Perhaps, but you forget Toramana and his son Mirakula both were ardent worshipers of Our Lord Eklinga. Ghori comes with his own faith, the faith of many a Turk and Afghan before him which they seek to spread by destroying our idols and great temples. But I must digress from the points of faith my lord. My point Maharaj is that you forgive Jayachanda. He feels wounded as you've married his beloved daughter without his consent, his sentiment would be shared by any loving father. Go to him bearing gifts and sew together the wounds that have formed between two great kingdoms."

Chand awaited a response from Prithviraj and simply stood there as the entire court was silent except for the occasional murmur as the king sat on his throne with his eyes clenched close and rubbing his temples. Vague whispers of "No honour" and "Unchivalrous" were heard from his mouth as the entire court awaited an elicited response. The king once again rose from his throne, this time with a lot more magnitude to the action and he once again used his thundering voice.

"It is not a righteous action but Ghori will die. Not because he attacked my kingdom or because my councillors and vassals demanded it. He will die because he attacked villages of innocents and stole from them while fighting in a war. To do so is the opposite of chivalrous conduct and thus it shall be repaid. He shall be beheaded by an elephant as tradition demands happen for kings,” he commanded. No matter what one claimed about the Tomar raja they could not deny his generation of his code.

As for a parley with Jaichand, I will think of how to address such a letter to him. I want to describe to him how times are no longer what they used to be and how things are different to how they were before Tarain. It is a new age for Bharata now, after Tarain. Until then I declare that our court is dismissed."
 
Last edited:
That man is fucking idealist and stupid, i hope that his descendants would be much more pragmatist than their forefathers. what we need a Chanakya.
 
Last edited:

longsword14

Banned
How can some one be that stupid? After the first battle who would even think of doing such a thing? It would be nice if Prithviraj lays the foundation of the kingdom, stitches together something with some cohesion ans ensures taking care of foreign incursions a part of Rajput consciousness. Then he can die, he is not meant for ruler-ship.
 
Why Saka Samvat and not Vikram Samvat?

I thought Rajputs generally prefered to use Saka Samvat. I can change it you fell it's wrong. I wasn't too sure on it my self.

As for every one else; :p;)

Relax guys Prithvraj is simply an idealist, sometimes to the point of stupidity. He's not completely wrong in that Jayachanda does pose a massive threat to any massive lasting Rajput kingdoms, but Ghori does more so.

Fact is unlike us Prithviraj doesn't know what Ghori would have done to him and the rest of the Rajput kings, as he doesn't have the gift of prophecy and hindsight. To him the only reason one should actually execute him is because he went around burning down villages in Marwar.

By the way what does everyone think about my list of Rajput clan-kingdoms? Is it complete enough? Is overtly simplified in that I haven't taken into account all of the cadet clans born from union between the great ones.
 
Love the detail and the intrigue.

Thanks a lot. :) For some reason most of the medieval Indian timelines here (however limited they are in number) prefer to display a very romantic image of the courts. I'm sure no matter the personal loyalty to the Maharaj everyone has, they're all pushing their own agenda. Chand wants Prithviraj to stop being a massive idealist and start shaping up to see the world for what it is (he realises that it is partially his fault since he's the one who's been giving poetry and ballads to the man.), Samyogita just wants here husband safe but alsow would prefer if he doesn't end up killing her father and three younger brothers, Vaibhavacharya is just becoming the doddering old man of the court who wants nothing more than social status quo after the war is over, the Rana Jaisalmer Bhatti wants recompensation and the Solankis are trying to make sure that they come out on top due to all this warfare. Their lands are untouched and their men are fresh as well as being the best cavalry in north India.

Ooh one more thing guys, when Chand was listing all the Rajput clans did you notice something particular, say about their spelling. Do you know what it means?
 
Last edited:
This is a great time line, looking forward to what comes next. I wonder what a united Rajput state could actually achieve, something along the lines of an earlier Maratha-style empire, but being closer to the north west maybe even expanding beyond the Hindu Kush. Very interesting if that's the direction you are taking.
 
Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO: A FATHER’S LOVE



Metal boots clanged as the harsh sun baked the two men alive. Both stood opposite each other, their faces stern and in contempt of the other, trying to strike as regal a pose one may when drowning in their own sweat. When Rai had suggested that Prithviraj come in his fineries rather than full armour his lord had cast it off as unbecoming. Then he had opted that at least a tent be set up for the kings to treat beneath, but an outrider from Jaichand’s camp had demanded that only Kannauji wood and silk may be used. But the Maharaj had to refuse, of course. Sometimes his pride deludes him. Despite the Tomar raja Vikramrai offering a neutral territory for both to negotiate under, they stupidly demanded concessions from one another. It is unbecoming of such pettiness from Rajputs. We are supposed to be honourable and firm, not haughty and vain.

When both men refused to break the silence, instead choosing to make their delegates suffer in the heat Rai could hold his tongue no more and stepped forward towards the table in the middle. Luckily Vikramrai has also provided this table or else we would have had to sit cross legged upon the ground. He could see that Jaichand had moved his hand towards his sword by instinct but the Kannauji soldiers looked simply too exhausted to move.

“These are the terms that Maharaj Prithviraj, the Third of his name, king of the illustrious holds of Delhi and Ajmer and born a scion of the Chauhan line. He wishes to end the feud that exists between the House of Rathore and its allies,” he said spreading the parchment he had upon the table. Jaichand strut forth with grim demeanour, his bright silver armour blinding Rai as he came forth. Jaichand grabbed the parchment and studied it carefully for a few moments, his eyes moving up and down the page.

Then in a whirl of anger his iron gauntlet burst into action, smashing the paper on the table and leaving a dent as few splinters flew out. He hawked and spat on the parchment following that, his guards snickering. Bagh Rai looked over to his own king and saw his eyes twitching. Atleast my lord is keeping his composure. It shows the true resolve of a king. However this bastard Jaichand… Rai felt his own Rajput blood pump with anger. How dare Jaichand insult the Raja of Delhi so? What great deeds did he claim to have achieved since he was crowned?

“You call these terms? It is clear that your Guru didn’t give you ample education Prithviraj, for if he did you would know that once I perform the Rajyasuyayagna. I am the Samrat of all Aryavarta. I cannot treat with you on the level of equals,” he said venomously. His white beard began to sway as a much awaited gust of wind came from the west and cooled the anxious and tired soldiers on both sides. “I spit upon your right and your title. You have no authority to claim superiority over all Rajputs unless you make us bow with a sword at our throats.”

“As if you would take an honourable death you perfumed lep-” but even before Prithviraj finished his slur the Maharaja of Kannauj continued his grand speech. Bagh Rai could only thank the Devi for this as letting his king carry on would have only ended in violence.

“And if I recall correctly I am not the only one who has not brandished a bent knee for you. The Solankis didn’t even allow your envoy to stay the night I heard. Word has come that they sent him back bald, riding a donkey and with the left side of his moustache shaved,” his lord stated proudly with a smug smile upon his face. “Words are wind and the wind is fickle Chauhan. You may find that just as soon the gales that push the sails ahead are blowing dust from the deserts into the oarsmen’s eyes. The Solankis may have spread any sort of vile rumours to deter laggardly lords from swearing me fealty,” Jaichand growled as he bought his weathered face closer to Prithviraj’s face. “Not everyone is as stupid as you to deny the true master of Aryavarta his realm. Sometimes they simply need to be… convinced.” Jaichand’s hand fell upon his blade’s grip and the tension grew with uneasy murmuring and stances.

“And not everyone is as treacherous as you Rathore. I always knew you were a fool but I used to atleast respect your courage. But siding with a Mlechcha? How could you?”

As soon as these words passed the Lord of Delhi’s lips Jaichand whirled around in a fury and drew his sword, his face twisting into a snarl.

“Treachery? You call saving honour treachery? You call a father’s love treachery? Damnation upon you- you dust dwelling, daughter-stealing muck fucker,” Within an instant the gliding sound of steel was heard and the shimmer of blades could be seen all around. Bagh Rai unsheathed his own blade and instantly locked eyes with the closest Rathore guardsman. For a moment that seemed like all four of the yugas passing they remained motionless and ready to spring into action.

But nobody moved. What is happening? Usually at least one person is lying with their throats slit at tumultuous events like these.

Bagh turned around to see Prithviraj not having moved a muscle, simply standing there as Jaichand looked ready swing his sword and cut through the giant of a man that was the Lord of Delhi and Ajmer. The expression Prithviraj’s face was solemn and gaunt, looking the furious Jaichand directly in the eye in an almost comical fashion, as the much shorter man cursed and shouted at him. Why isn’t he moving? He can stop with the composure now, we’ve seen enough resolve. Now let’s us put all of it into cutting all these damn Rathores down.


“My lord? What do we do?” Prithviraj simply waved away Bagh Rai without even a single glance. He simply continued to face Jaichand with a look calm and unbecoming of the usually passionate king. The smug smile had been replaced by an empty stare by now.

“A father’s love? I wouldn’t know much about that. Father was sick by the time I had seen my fourth spring and left me on the throne by the sixth,” the king seemed to reminisce. Bagh himself thought back to those early years. When Papa bought me to court at Ajmer to the first time from Sambhar. That may have been their ancestral home but Ajmer was always their capital and their pride. The grandeur, the festivals, the colours. Now the Maharaj rules from Delhi and the seat of his Tomar forefathers.

“What are you trying to get at rat? I should feel pity for you just because Someshwar was an ill-suited king?”

“All I do is ask you to give me a chance. A chance to experience ‘a Father’s Love’, with your beautiful daughter by my side. A chance to be more than a warrior, more than a Rajput. A chance to be a father,” he requested, as if not speaking to just the man before him but fate itself. Suddenly the man that Bagh had grown to see become large enough to cut a horse in half seemed so very small. “The Vaids think that Samyogita is carrying. You’re going to be a grandfather.”

Jaichand waited a few moments before his rage calming. He turned to his men and barked at them to sheathe their swords, following suite. At least the flame has gone even if the venom hasn’t. Bagh sheathed his own sword.

“Your attempt at swaying my sentiment has worked it seems Chauhan. I won’t kill you just yet, if only for the sake of my grandchild,” he said with a stern face. Bagh witnessed Prithviraj grimace at that and the his usual fire set his nostrils to flare. “I will accept that under the eyes of the gods you have wed my daughter and I must respect that. Even my youngest son Virchand seems intent on idolizing you, something his sister no doubt put in that thick skull of his.”

Prithviraj saw a ghost of a smile return to his face and he intently looked back at Jaichand now. A fanatic of the king himself? Your son wouldn’t be the first time Rathore, the Maharaj can call up a thousand more spears with a word than you could with sacks of gold coins and flowery titles. Simply because of the loyalty he inspires throughout the realms. Bagh inwardly grinned as he watched the proceedings calmly, the beads of sweat having rolled down long ago. The sun didn’t feel as harsh on his skin as it had first been. He looked up to see the grey clouds of the monsoon rolling in on the western winds. Maybe I was the first to join this little band of enraptured souls. Chand not too soon after when he came to the court along with his father and started singing his verses for all. Kanha by the time we had become youths. He recalled when they had first met Kanha, running into him on a Nilgai hunt in the Aravallis. The daft idiot didn’t recognize his king and held his captive. Luckily his father showed up with the rest of the royal party to free us. I still find it hard to believe that he wrestled both of us to the ground. ‘Poachers’ indeed.

“So you agree to the terms?” replied Prithviraj. “The Rajputs have entered a new age now that I have crushed that Mlechcha at Tarain. Will you walk alongside me and usher in this new age?”

“As I am sure you have boasted a hundred times at your court in that dustbowl Delhi,” Jaichand said as his voice dripped with bemusement. He wiped off sand that had blown onto the map and treatise, his gauntlet chipping the wood, and examined the paper once more, the aging table creaking under the aging man’s armour. Chand would call it poetic. But the wood around Gwalior is just shite as it is, no wonder the best table they could offer was this one.

“Alright Chauhan, these are the terms I will accept,” proclaimed Jaichand, snapping everyone out of their thoughts, Bagh Rai included. “I will accept that the realm of the House Chauhan is exempt from all treaties made with the lords of the south and east since the auspicious horse never managed to reach there during the Yagna. I will accept that all children born of your union with my daughter are my legitimate heirs to your throne in case none of my sons sire heirs. I will also cede a castle along our border in good faith. Kirthal, its people and all its revenue shall henceforth be yours to command and distribute as you see fit. Consider it a wedding gift for Samyogita’s Union.”

The Maharaja of Delhi and Ajmer stood nodding his head. The officers of both side began to react as did the soldiers present, Jaichand’s Persian cavalryman Mir Bandan giving him quizzical looks.

“And my next condition is that in an end to hostility you will agree to foster your firstborn in his grandfather’s court when he reaches the age of three. Should I have passed from my earthly body I wish that he be given to foster with my successor and son, the child’s uncle Ananchand. After all we will be family,” he conditioned to the King with a sly smile upon his face. By Eklinga, how dare he demand the Maharaj’s unborn child from him.

He finally broke his silence and spoke out. “The other terms were perhaps understandable my lord but this is theft! My lord he demands your unborn child, directly from the fair queen’s womb. You cannot-“ But once again Bagh Rai found himself silenced by a hand gesture from his king. He receded back from the table he had unwittingly approached and for the third time saw that both parties were reaching for weapons.

“Enough Bagh. I want to hear nothing more exit your mouth,” he chastised as he turned to face the King of Kannauj. “Continue Rathore. Would there be any other demands of me?”

Jaichand let a moment pass as he sized up the proud lord who kept his charming smile on this time. It might have fooled the Chauhan and Rathore soldiers present, the former cheerily standing as the firsts drop of rain begun to fall and the heavens above roared with thunder and the latter either stoic or mumbling about how they were losing in this deal.

As both men smiled at each other, one viciously and the other barely from the brink of roaring like Indra did above them, Jaichand simply shook his head and glanced at Rai and the celebrating Chauhan armsmen as he stroke his wispy beard and signaled Prithviraj to come closer. Rai did as well, seeing Bandan mirror him out of the corner of his eyes .

As the two men came close Jaichand once more leant in on the creaking table. He looked Prithviraj in the eye as he smiled. “I needn’t. Your tears will be heavier than the heavens erupting above us when your son comes to me,” At these words he turned around and strode away with his shoulders high, Bandan following in suite. “Oh and by the way, you are free to do as you please with Ghori. I annul and and all treaties between me and the Mlechcha.”

With those words the parties parted ways and returned to their camps. As the night fell and the rain continued to grow in intensity Bagh found himself discussing the next steps from here. As Prithviraj dictated the next parts of the campaign which would resume after the monsoons, Bagh couldn’t shake the thought off his mind. Where have I heard that name before, Kirthal?

“My lord, a question if I may. Where is this Kirthal we have gotten in the dowry?” Prithviraj waited a while before he responded, looking at Rai sullenly. “Don’t you remember?”

“Remember what Maharaj?”

“It’s where he died. I remember it clearly. We were coming back from Kannauj only five hundred of us and them hot on our tails. Nine huts, a smithy and a small clay motte-and-bailey. Bagh, remember how he said ‘Nine huts? Give me nine men and myself and I will give you an entire day, a day to gath-“ however Bagh interrupted his king and completed the rest for him.

“-er the warriors of the realm and keep the enemy at bay. Save your Princess Poacher, make sure you never need to take from another’s woods again’. Kanha milord. It’s where Kanha rests isn’t it?”


------------------------

Alright it's back! So I just want to start this off with an apology to all of those who were reading this TL and I'm sorry if my absence has caused people to lose interest in it. Around August when I had first started writing this TL I realised I was too invested to let it be a TL in a week and had an entire story layout planned in a little journal, having written atleast up to chapter 5. Then I began planning my trip to Japan which inspired to start my other non-AH/Fantasy writing projects. Then following a few family tragedies I sort of felt empty coming back to writing.

So in my three week absence I found out that my little journal with everything for AFTER TARAIN in it was missing and I am still yet to find it, since lots of objects were moved around to prepare the house for my grandmother. Now nearly 3 months later I have finally managed to wrestle everything back into control and I can confidently start writing AFTER TARAIN again. I had also planned to never return to this, leaving it a dead project. However I decided I had too many of those and that before I would start work on any new project I would like to finish AFTER TARAIN. So this red-headed step child of mine is once again began work.

Also shameless self plug, but ACT I of AI ORSA - THE HUNT is finished and now with 3 brand spanking new chapters! :p Imagine that you can't even read those on AH.com. So those of you that wish to support me as a writer please do buy it on Amazon Kindle when it comes out! If you don't... well that's all good as well :) I would like to say that this does not mean I will make AH content that will only be behind a pay wall, cause lets face it its a niche market and my content itself is a niche category within it! Anyways I always appreciate when people have some query as to where the story is going, so please comment and critique. Remember likes are nice but getting any sort of constructive criticism is great.
 
Last edited:
Top