Jaichand of Kannauj

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Jaichand was the name of the last ruler of Kannauj belonging to the short-lived Gahadvala dynasty.

His descendants later established a kingdom in Kumaon Hills. They were always fighting to establish their supremacy with the local tribals known as Khasa kings. Eventually they managed to establish a kingdom in Kumaon Hills of India and later came to be known as 'Chand Rajas'.

"Jaichand (generally believed to be a traitor) was, in fact a 'hero' who gave up his life while fighting the forces of Ghauri." "Prithviraj Chauhan was a coward who ran away to save his life during the second battle of Tarain with Mohammad Ghauri."

This is the "new" history that students of Class 11 will learn under the CBSE and ICSE courses from this academic session. The revised history book, Medieval India History, published by NCERT, demolishes old beliefs and tramples over heroes of history based on historical proofs.

According to Prof. Satish Chandra, Medieval History clearly states that Prithviraj Chauhan tried to run away from the battle, but was taken prisoner. When Prithviraj accepted the supremacy of Mohammad Ghauri, the latter allowed him to continue as ruler of Ajmer. Prithviraj was later killed on charges of treason, according to the book, which goes on to say that Jaichand's valour was unmatched and that he was killed while fighting the forces of Ghauri in Kannauj.

History, till now, had taught that Jaichand was a coward and a traitor who first betrayed Prithviraj Chauhan, and then was drowned while trying to flee the forces of Ghauri (History of Rajasthan, page 156).

The NCERT history book belief that the main cause of bitterness between Prithviraj and Jaichand was, according to the new book, there were major political differences between the two kings.