The recent news has been dominated by the announcement of the Ministry of Culture’s decision to initiate the refurbishment of the historic Anang Tal lake in South Delhi. The National Monuments Authority (NMA) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have both urged officials to expedite the conservation activities, aiming to designate the site as a National Monument.
Location and Establishment of Anang Tal Lake
The significant Anang Tal lake is situated in Mehrauli, Delhi, where historians believe it was engineered by Tomar King, Anangpal II, back in 1060 AD. Known for founding and populating Delhi in the 11th century, Anangpal II left an indelible mark on the region with this millennium-old lake, which is seen as representing the genesis of the city. Additionally, Anang Tal has deep ties to Rajasthan, with Maharaja Anangpal revered as the maternal grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, whose fort – Rai Pithora, is managed by the ASI.
The Legacy of Anangpal II
Anangpal II, colloquially known as Anangpal Tomar, was a member of the Tomar dynasty. This king was responsible for initiating Dhillika Puri, which would evolve into what we now know as Delhi. His influential role in the early historiography of Delhi is inscribed on the iron pillar of the Masjid Quwaatul Islam, which is located near the Qutub Minar. Multiple inscriptions along with numerous recovered coins suggest that Anangpal Tomar reigned over present-day Delhi and Haryana between the 8th-12th centuries. He was credited with rebuilding the city from its ruins and oversaw the construction of Anang Tal Baoli and Lal Kot. This industrious king was succeeded by his grandson, Prithviraj Chauhan. Following Prithviraj Chauhan’s defeat in the Battle of Tarain in 1192 by Ghurid forces, the Delhi Sultanate was founded.
Insights into the Tomar Dynasty
The Tomara dynasty is one of the lesser known ruling houses during the early medieval period in northern India. Early evidence from the Puranic writings places the origins of this dynasty in the Himalayan region. As per bardic tradition, the dynasty was considered one of the 36 Rajput tribes. The history of this family spans from the reign of Anangpal, the founder of Delhi in the 11th century CE, to the incorporation of Delhi within the Chauhan (Chahamana) kingdom in 1164. However, even though Delhi subsequently became a conclusive part of the Chauhan kingdom, numismatic and relatively recent literary evidence suggests that Tomara kings like Anangapal and Madanapal continued to rule as feudatories, presumably until the final Muslim conquest of Delhi in 1192–93.
The decision to rejuvenate the historic Anang Tal lake not only represents a preservation of the past but also provides an opportunity to re-examine the histories and legacies of the figures and dynasties connected to it. Even as the Ministry of Culture moves forward with this initiative, it is evident that the rich tapestry of India’s past continues to be an intricate part of its present.