The spotlight recently turned back to an often-ignored historical figure, Anangpal II, a prominent Tomar king. At a recent seminar, historians and scholars discussed the legacy and impact of Anangpal II, shedding light on his key contributions, particularly to the founding of Delhi, arguably among India’s most important cities. The seminar underlined the need to remember and acknowledge these critical historical figures who set the stage for the development of modern India.
Anangpal II and His Contributions
Anangpal II, also known as Anangpal Tomar, was a pivotal member of the Tomar dynasty. His significant contributions include laying down the foundation for what would eventually become Delhi, initially known as Dhillika Puri. One can find evidence of Anangpal II’s involvement in the early history of Delhi inscribed on the iron pillar of Masjid Quwaatul Islam, located adjacent to the renowned Qutub Minar.
Records suggest that Anangpal II ruled over present-day Delhi and Haryana from the 8th to the 12th century. He is credited with rebuilding the city of Delhi from ruins. Under his supervision, historical landmarks like Anang Tal Baoli and Lal Kot were constructed. After Anangpal II, his grandson Prithviraj Chauhan took control of the kingdom.
Historical events took a significant turn in 1192 when the Delhi Sultanate was established after Prithviraj Chauhan’s defeat in the Battle of Tarain. This momentous battle took place in the modern-day region of Haryana.
The Tomar Dynasty in Focus
The Tomar dynasty, although being one of the lesser-known early medieval ruling houses of northern India, played a crucial role during that era. Records from the Puranas place the origins of this dynasty in the Himalayan region. Bardic traditions classify the Tomar dynasty as one of the 36 Rajput tribes, a testament to their standing and influence.
Anangpal Tomar was the founder of Delhi in the 11th century CE. This marked a significant stride in the history of the Tomars. However, paradoxically, it also signaled the beginning of the end of the dynasty’s dominance. In 1164, Delhi was incorporated under the Chauhan kingdom. Despite this, numismatic and comparatively late literary evidence suggests that Tomar rulers such as Anangapala and Madanapala continued to rule as feudatories.
The final conquest of Delhi by the Muslims in 1192-93 marked the definitive end of the Tomar dynasty’s influence. While there is no denying that subsequent dynasties and rulers have left their indelible marks on Delhi, the contribution of Anangpal II and the Tomar dynasty cannot be overlooked.
Conclusion
To summarize, Anangpal II’s legacy continues to live on in the city he founded. However, much of his contributions and the role of the Tomar dynasty are unfortunately given a miss in popular historical narratives. It’s important for platforms such as seminars and historical symposiums to highlight these less-known historical figures who played pivotal roles in shaping India’s history. History is a collective narrative, and without acknowledging all contributors – big and small – we risk losing sight of the complete picture.
