2026-06-08 Mon

Chahamanas of Shakambhari refers to the prominent medieval Indian Chauhana dynasty, popularly known as the Chauhans of Sambhar or Chauhans of Ajmer. They ruled parts of present-day Rajasthan and adjacent areas from approx 6th to 12th centuries CE. Their original capital was Shakambhari and later Ajayameru = Ajmer.

Vigraharaja IV or Visaladeva (c. 1150-1164 CE) was known as a great Chauhana warrior, poet, and patron of arts. He expanded the kingdom of Shakambhari significantly and built structures like the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer. He transformed the kingdom into a powerful empire through military conquests, cultural patronage, and resistance against invasions.

He defeated Ghaznavid rulers Bahram Shah and Khusrau Shah. Captured Hansi (Asi) from Muslim control. The famous Delhi-Shivalik Pillar Inscription (1164 CE) praises him as the "destroyer of mlechchhas" who restored Aryavarta by expelling foreign invaders. His empire extended over much of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and possibly parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. He claimed influence up to the Vindhyas.

Here is the half Dinar of Vigraharaja depicting Nimbate figure of Lord Shri Rama on obverse, standing holding a bow in left hand and an arrow in the right hand. Decorative floral scrolls with Hansa (Swan) to left and lotus bud to left. Devanagari legend “Shri Ra / ma” divided on either side. The reverse has Devanagari legend in three lines “Shri Madvigra / harajade / va” within a dotted border.