Prithviraj Sisodia

Maharana Raimal had 14 sons, Prithviraj was the eldest and heir apparent. Prithviraj's two real brothers were Jaimal, and Sangram Singh, who later became the Maharana of Mewar, popularly known as Maharana Sanga.[4] Their mother was Jhali Ratan Kanwar, daughter of Rajdhar Jhala. These three brothers played an important role in shaping Mewar's history.

A Charan woman, who lived at Nahar Magra, had prophesized that Sanga will be the heir to the throne, not Prithviraj. Upon hearing this, Prithviraj attacked Sanga, but Surajmal (Uncle of Prithviraj, grandson of Maharana Mokal) interposed himself and took the blow, but that blow still injured Sanga's eye. Sanga, unwilling to attack the heir apparent, he left the fight while Surajmal engaged Prithviraj. Sanga succeeded to get away with five cuts and loss of an eye. Jagmal chased Sanga, but Sanga was saved by Rathore Bida, who died in the fight at Sewantri.[5] Sanga then remained for few months under Karamchand Panwar at Shrinagar,near Ajmer.[6]

After Prithviraj's conflict with Sanga, Maharana Raimal forbade Prithviraj his presence. Prithviraj made Kumbhalgarh fort his base and expanded his control over the plains of Godwar, suppressing the Meenas who ravaged the countryside. He also subdued Balecha and Madrecha Chauhans of Godwar, except their stronghold of Desuri[7]

He took the help of Raimal Solanki, who sent his sons Shankar Singh and Samant Singh to attack Madrechas of Desuri. Solankis defeated the Madrechas, Sanda the leader of Madrechas was killed in the battle. Prithviraj then granted Patta of Desuri with its 140 villages to Solankis. Solankis of Jhilwara and Roopnagar are descendants of Shankar Singh and Samant Singh respectively.[8]

Prithviraj then established civil and military authority over the entire Godwar and he appointed administrators, Raimal Solanki for the military and a Ojha for civil administration.[9] Narlai inscription mentions that Prithviraj remained in charge of Godwar for a considerable time.[10]

Ram Kanwar Bai, daughter of Rana Kumbha Kunwar and aunt of Prithviraj, was married to Mandalik, King of Girnar.[11] When she was alienated from her husband, Prithviraj made a swift march and surprsied Mandalik in his Palace. He spared life of Mandalik and brought Rama Bai back to Mewar. Jawar was conferred upon Ram Kanwar. She built a temple of Rama Swami and large stepwell here.[12][13]

Toda, which was earlier under Solankis, was taken over by Afghan Lalla Khan and Rao Surtan Solanki was living in Badnor, which was granted to Solankis by Rana Raimal. Prithviraj vowed to"restore Toda to Solankis or he was no true Rajput".[14]

Prithviraj, with his chosen 500 cavaliers and Tarabai Solanki, daughter of Rao Surtan Solanki attacked Toda. They reached Toda when the Tazia procession was ongoing.Prithviraj, one of his trusted chief and Tarabai left their cavalcade and joined the procession. As they reached under the balcony of the Afghan head, the Afghan enquired about these strange horsemen, who are part of the procession. Prithviraj threw his lance and Taraibai shot an arrow, which struck the Afghan lord, and he fell on the ground. Before public recovered from the shock, these three dashed for the gate of the city, which was obstructed by an elephant. Tarabai sliced elephant's trunk, with the elephant fleeing, the passage was clear to join their cavalcade. Afghans couldn’t stand the attack and those who couldn’t flee were killed.[15]

Cenotaph of Prithviraj Sisodiya

Prithviraj captured Taragarh fort of Ajmer during the end of 15th century, after slaying Governor Mallu Khan.[16][17][18]The fort is also called Taragarh, named after Prithviraj's wife Tarabai.[19] It remained under control of Mewar and later Maharana Sanga granted it to Karamchand Panwar[20]

Names of wives of Prithviraj which are known:

• Tara Bai Solanki, daughter of Rao Surtan Solanki. A bastion in Kumbhalgarh is named after Tara Bai, Tara Burj.[21][22]
• Pama De

Prithviraj had a concubine, from whom he had a son, named Banvir.

Rao Jagmal was married to Prithviraj's sister, Ananda Bai, but their relations weren't good. Prithvriraj went to Sirohi to punish Jagmal, but in the end pardoned him. It was suspected that Prithviraj died of poisoning, by Rao Jagmal.[23] Prithviraj died just after entering the Kumbhalgarh fort, where his cenotaph is still standing near Mamadeo Temple.[24]

Prithivraj's cenotaph is located near Mamadeo Temple, in Kumbhalgarh Fort. Under the dome, there is a memorial stone with figures sculpted on all four sides. On one side, the figure is riding a horse is Prithviraj, his horse's name was Sahanadiva, out of 4 other figures, names of 2 are known, they were Prithviraj's wife Tarabai and Pama De. They committed Sati after Prithviraj.[25]

• Rajawat, D.S. (1991). Glimpses of Rajasthan: Off the Beaten Track. Delta Publications. Retrieved 2022-04-07.

• Dhoundiyal, B.N. (1966). Rajasthan District Gazetteers: Ajmer. Gazetteer of India. Ajmer. Hauptbd. Bharat Printers. Retrieved 2022-04-07.

• Sarda, Har Bilas (1918). Maharana Sanga, The Hindupat (1st ed.). Ajmer: Scottish Mission Industries Company Limited.

• Kumbhalgarh, Archaeological Survey Of India, 2012 (1st ed.). New Delhi: The Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi-110011. 2012.

• Somani, Ram Vallabh (1976). History Of Mewar [From the earliest times to 1751 AD] (1st ed.). Jaipur: Shantidevi, Matheshwari Publications.

• Sarda, H.B. (1932). Maharana Kumbha: Sovereign, Soldier, Scholar. HardPress. p. 137. ISBN 978-1-290-94260-7. Retrieved 2022-04-17.

• Sarda, H.B. (1941). Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive. Fine Art Printing Press. Retrieved 2022-04-18.