Turks, Warriors, and Conquerors: Narratives of Hindu–Muslim Encounters between the Fourteenth and Eighteenth Centuries

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines Indian narratives about non-Muslim kings who were conquered by Muslims, in search of any distinctive features that could be characterized as a Hindu response to Muslim might. The main focus is on two North Indian rulers who were later considered Rajput heroes: Prithviraj Chauhan of Ajmer, defeated by Muhammad of Ghur in 1192, and Hammir Chauhan of Ranthambhor, defeated by Ala al-Din Khalji of Delhi in 1301. Stories about Prithviraj and Hammir, and also Kakatiya Prataparudra from South India, often stress the bravery of local warriors, betrayal by a trusted ally, and the hero’s hubris. Since these themes are also found in martial narratives that do not involve Muslim enemies, it appears that the religious affiliation of the foe was not as important as the fact that he was an outsider of some sort.