The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c33.2

v2.c33.2

The Tomaras¹ are recognised as one of the 36 celebrated Rajput tribes. According to the bardic tradition, ‘Anangpal Tuar’ founded Delhi in V.S. 792 (A.D. 736)² and established the Tomara dynasty, which came to an end when the 20th prince, another Anangapāla, abdicated in favour of his grandchild the Cauhān Pṛthvīrāja (*c.* 1182-92 A.D.).³ It is difficult to estimate the element of truth in this tradition. But the statement that Delhi passed under Cāhamāna control in the reign of Pṛthvīrāja is certainly wrong. The Delhi Siwalik pillar-inscriptions of Vīsaladeva-Vigraharāja IV of Sākambharī show that Delhi was already under the rule of the Cāhamānas in 1164 A.D.⁴ It is however likely that the Tomaras were in control of the region round Delhi before Vīsaladeva conquered it in the middle of the 12th century. A Delhi Museum inscription dated in 1328 A.D. in the reign of Muḥammad Tughluq⁵ (1325-51 A.D.), tells us: