Horseman right with Devanagari legend (Sri) Pri-Thviraja Pala around // Seated bull left, with Devanagari legend Asavari / Sri Samanta Deva around. 16mm, 3.15 grams. Delhi mint. Tye 52; Deyell 212.

Prithviraja III (r. 1191–1192), the last great ruler of the Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer, inherited a powerful kingdom stretching across Rajasthan, Haryana, and the Delhi region. He is remembered for his resistance against Muhammad of Ghor, defeating him in the First Battle of Tarain (1191) but losing the decisive Second Battle of Tarain (1192). His brief Delhi reign marked the climax of Chauhan power and the final major Rajput stand before the Ghurid conquest of northern India. Despite his defeat, Prithviraj’s rule became central to later Rajput heroic tradition and legend.

The Chauhans (Chahamanas) were a powerful Rajput dynasty who ruled parts of Rajasthan and Haryana and rose to prominence in Delhi and Ajmer during the 12th century. Their most famous ruler was Prithvi Raja III Chauhan (reigned c. 1177–1192), known for consolidating power around Delhi, resisting raids by neighboring kingdoms, and expanding Chauhan influence in northern India. The dynasty is best remembered for its conflicts with the Ghurid Empire, culminating in the battles of Tarain (1191 and 1192). After Prithvi Raja III’s defeat in 1192, Ghurid control expanded into Delhi, but minor Chauhan branches continued to rule smaller territories for centuries afterward.