Tomara dynasty

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[1]

Tomar / Tanwar / Tuar Dynasty

Chandra Vansh Som or Chandra - Yayati - Puru - Hasti Ajamidh - Kuru - Shantanu - Vyasa Pandu - Arjun - Parikshit -Janamejaya Tungpal - Anangpal

Vansh Lineage:

Branches: Pathania, Janjua, Jarral, Janghara, Jatu,[2] Jaraita, Satraura, Raghu,[3] Rulers of Indraprastha, Uttar Kuru, Delhi, Nurpur, Tanwarawati / Torawati, Gwalior, Kayasthapad, Dholpur, Tuargarh Gotra Atri/Kashyap/Vaiyashuk

The Tomara dynasty (Hindi - , ) (also called Tanwar and Tuar in local dialects) are a Hindu clan, who claim descent from the Puruvanshi lineage of Indraprashtha of Mahabharata times.[4][5]It includes Rajputs, Gurjars[6][1] and Jats of northern India.

Lord Krishna displays his Vishvarupa (Universal Form) to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Purana and Legends

According to historic genelogies in puranas, the Tomars are the descendants of the Pandava prince Arjuna, through his great grandson Emperor Janamejaya, son of Emperor Parikshit.[citation needed]Prince Dhritrashtra, blind by birth and the elder son of Kuru scion Vichitraveer abdicated the throne in favor of his younger brother Pandu whose sons were called Pandavs. King Pandu later abdicated the throne back to his elder brother due to his ill health. Their sons were involved in a great battle and finally Yudhishthira became the king after defeating Duyodhana.[citation needed] King Yudhishtra founded the city of Indraprastha in the Kuru kingdom and later abdicated in favour of Parikshit, the grandson of his brother Arjuna. Capital city after Mahabharata war remained Hastinapur which was later flooded and the capital of the Pandava kingdom was moved eastwards in times of King Nishchakra. Indraprastha remained one of the major cities of Kuru-Panchala Empire for many centuries. Kuru Kingdom was one of the 16 Maha Janapads (or great states) under the Magadh Empire, around 300 BC.[7] King Kshemaka, 28th in descent from Yudhisthira was last ruler to have absolute power in the Kuru kingdom, he was overthrown by his ministers and his sons relocated near Godavari River in south India. His grandson Uttungabhuja [8] established a small kingdom near Godavari and his descendants later re-established Indraprastha a few centuries later, under Anangpal Tomar I in the eighth century AD.[citation needed]

Middle Ages - 1st Millenium AD

Historian Augustus Hoernle was of the opinion that the Tomaras were one of the ruling clans of Gurjars in the Gurjara-Pratihara era of North India- 4th - 8th century AD,[1] Ancient Kuru Kingdom continuing its existence in the ages when India was ruled by Gupta Kings. It remained one of the 18 Great States under Gupta Kings.[9] However, the lineage and existence of the clan predates the Gurjara entry into the Indian subcontinent by two millenia, and may have therefore been allied partners in the empire.[citation needed]

Indraprastha - Delhi
The modern city of Delhi is believed to be on the site of Indraprastha.[10] Delhi was established in 736 CE by the Tomara king Anangpal Tomar-I who re-established the Pandava ancestral capital. The Kingdom of Delhi was founded by Anangpal Tomar, whose dynasty, by virtue of descent from the Pandavas, claimed to be Lords Paramount of India[11]

Samrat Anangpal Tomar

The Tomara dynasty of Delhi lasted til Anangpal Tomar-II. Part of his legacy was the construction of Lal Kot, a fortified wall around Delhi, likely in reaction to the raids of

Mahmud of Ghazni.[12] This is one of the oldest defence structures in Delhi.[12] Anangpal Tomar II appointed his grandson (daughter's son, and son of King of Ajmer), Prithviraj Chauhan, as the heir apparent. Some historians believe that Prithvaraj was merely a caretaker king as long as his grandfather was alive. Prithviraj was never crowned in Delhi, hence adding weight to the view that the Chauhan ruler usurped the throne from his maternal grandfather.[citation needed]. Anangpal Tomar II had 23 brothers and they each had territory of their own.[13] According to records kept by bards (or Jagas), King Anangpal Tomar made Prithviraj Chauhan only as caretaker when he went on a religious pilgrimage, as his own sons were very small at that time. When King Anangpal Tomar returned, Prithviraj refused to hand over the kingdom to his maternal grandfather.[citation needed] Whatever the circumstances, the Chauhan dynasty was able to firmly establish control by the mid-12th century.[12]

Tomara Migration after Fall of Delhi regime

Following their loss of control at Delhi after the defeat at Tarain of the Indian Confederacy against Shahbuddin Ghori, the three scion's of Delhi Tomar ruler moved from Delhi and later established themselves at Achalgarh and later at Patan-Tanwarawati - Rao Salivahaanji Tomar.{cn}} Tuargarh, Narwar - Modern day Morena District - Rao Tonpalji Tomar.[citation needed] o Later - Rao Virsingh Deo and his descendant Man Singh Tomar built a strong fortress citadel which still stands there.The Mughal emperor Akbar captured Gwalior in 1559.[citation needed] Runija near Jaisalmer, now famous for Tomar Saint Baba Ramdevji - Raja Ajmalji Tomar[citation needed]

Also because of the heavy invasions from the West; many communities of Tomar migrated to the safer regions in the east. Most of these immigrant Tomars adopted the Vaishya caste and the name of a prominent ancestor ruler from their community.[citation
needed]

Vikramaditya
Vikramaditya, king of Ujjain in Malwa, drove out Scythian invaders in 56 BC. The Vikram Samrat calendar was founded in 57 BC to honor his achievements. He was a liberal ruler, a patron of learning, encouraged art. He was a follower of the Brahmanical religion, a worshipper of Siva and Vishnu. He is claimed to be a prince of the Tomara dynasty.[14][15]

Shakhas or sub-clans
Jatu Rajputs

These are descendents of Thakur Jatu singh and now inhabit surrounding villages of Bhiwani (Haryana). It is believed[who?] that at one time[when?] there were 1440 villages of Tanwar Rajputs from Bhiwani to Agroha, although the number has declined.[16] The three brothers Jatu, Raghu, and Sutraola divided amongst themselves the Parganah of Hansi', each share was called a Tappa and the names Tappa Jatu, Tappa Raghu and Tappa Sutraola were for years used in the Government Records which divisions are well known to this day. The descendants of the three brothers went on as opportunity afforded adding to their possessions. Those of Jatu's were the most extensive. Umr Singh of the family took Tosham hence that Ilaqua (Area) was known as Umrain tappa. Similarly Bhiwani was called Bachoan tappa after Bacho who had taken possession of it. Jatu's descendants at Sewani were called Raes, those at Tulwundi were called Ranas hence the village is still called and recorded as Tulwundi Rana, while those at Kulheri called Chowdris and Pica still retain these titles.[citation needed]

Janghra Rajputs
Known as a large and turbulent branch of the Tomara Rajput clan,[17] the Janghara Rajputs were readily recruited by the British Indian Army. The turbulent nature of the tribe is further enhanced by the origin of the name Janghara being derived from the words, Jang (war) and Ahra (hunger) meaning "the men who hunger for war".[18] After the fall of Delhi to the Chauhans, the Janghara sept parted from the main Tomar branch in disgust. They entered Rohilkhund under the leadership of the prince Dhpu Dhm whose warlike nature was proverbial. A couplet sung by women of the clan states "Neeche Darti upar Ram, beech mein lade Dhapu Dham" meaning "Below is Earth, above is Lord Rm. Between the two, fights Dhpu Dhm"[19] The Janghara Rajputs of Bareilly claim to have ejected the Gwlas in 1388CE. in 1405CE they expelled the Ahirs from their[clarification needed] Kingdoms. The Katehriya Rajputs were also defeated and exiled from Rohilkhund by the Janghara Rais .[19] The Janghras have always been turbulent and warlike; they should furnish the (British Indian) army with some excellent recruits.[19]

Jarral Rajputs
Main article: Jarral Originally a branch of Tomara Rajputs, they gained prominence after their conversion to Islam in the 12th century. They are descendants of Pandavas through Raja Naka, younger brother of King Janmejaya and ruled a certain territory of Northern India from a place

later came to be known as Kalanaur. They fought against Muhammad Ghor in both the battles of 1191 and 1192 joining Prithviraja Chauhan of Ajmer. They were ferocious and battle hardy Rajputs. Even after conversion they were fond of battles and seized Rajauri from the Pal rulers in 1193 AD.[citation needed] Jarrals enjoyed fighting the Afghans, the Sikhs, the Dogras and the British and never rested but expanded their state in great length and width of the Punjab Hills. They were ousted from Rajauri State by the combined forces of Sikhs, Dogras and British in 1846. Later, knowing their feats of bravery and courage, the British befriended with them that helped them great in the latter years. It is one of the highest castes of Tomar but due to conversion to Islam were excommunicated by the clan and were not mentioned by the Sagas who note, maintain and narrate rajput family trees. They reside in India, Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab and other parts now in Pakistan. The descendents of Jarral Rulers reside in Musaman Burj, Wazirabad in Pakistan.[citation needed]

Pathania Rajputs
Main article: Pathania Descendants of Rana Jethpal, younger brother of Anangpal the last of the Tomara kings of Delhi. Established his[who?] kingdom at Paithan, now called Pathankot. Their kingdom was called Dhameri which was later renamed Nurpur. Famous for their resistance against foreign rule, which they proved by giving battle to invaders till 1849 A.D., after which the Kingdom was annexed by the British, the Raja being a minor. This clan has to its credit three Maha Vir Chakra winners in the Indian Army. This clan has also won many other gallantry awards while serving in the British army of India.[citation needed]

Janjua Rajputs
Main article: Janjua The Janjua Rajput clan claim descendancy from the Pandava dynasty through the Pandav Prince Arjun.[20] Prince Arjun, known as the Achilles of India,[21] was famous for his valour. He was eulogised in the Mahabharata epic as the perfect Kshatriya warrior. He conquered many powerful kingdoms in the Mahabharata epic and was the main lead in the battle field of Kurukshetra. Arjun's great grandson, Maharaja Janamejaya, is an apical ancestor of the Janjuas. Janamejaya was later the ruling Emperor of the Kingdom of Hastinapur, the capital of which was Indraprasta (modern day Delhi). Regarding the Janjuas descent from the Pandavas dynasty, the Bali and Bhimwal generals of Raja Dhrupet Dev of Mathura, recorded that the Janjua Raja Dhrupet Dev was the descendant of Emperor Janamejaya of the Pandava dynasty of Prince Arjun.[22][23] Sir Lepel H Griffin K.C.S.I. had also recorded in the early 1900s that the Janjua were Pandavas in origin.[24]

Beruari

Beruari/Beruar/Birwar is one of the most dominating rajput subcastes of eastern UP. According to local sources, area of present days Balia and Mirzapur district was once governed by Sudras of Berua caste. A tomar prince defeated them and established the rule of dharma. He and his decedents later called as Berua+ari (Beruari), i.e., enemy of Beruas. There are many villages of this clan in Mithilanchal (Bihar) also. Hati is one of the prominent village of this clan. They are being treated as Amnekh (Superior) rajput clan in Bihar.There is also a prominet village in the district of saran now chapra Nawada near about 1000 families of Beruars are residing there.[citation needed] Sub Branches: Birwar, Badwar, Katiyar, Jinwar, Indoria Kshatriya and Tirota Kshatriya. Indoria Kshatriya has branches - Raikwar, Jaiswar/Jaswar.[citation needed]

Other Tomar Sub Branches

Birwar, Badwar, Borahan,Chanket,suryan, Barnwal, Katiyar, Kallia, Borahan, Bajpanna, Jinwar, Jerah, Jasraiya, Indoria, Jarrota and Tirota Kshatriya. Indoria Kshatriya has branches - Raikwar, Jaiswar/Jaswar.[25] The Tomars of Torawati-Patan in Rajasthan have 3 subdivisions - Asoji(Asal Singhji), Udoji(Uday Singhji) and Kelorji (Kewalramji).[26]

Major Tomar kingdoms

Indraprastha (Now called Delhi)

The bastion of Lal Kot fort, Mehrauli, Delhi, built by Tomar Rajput ruler, Anangpal in ca 736 CE.

Founding of Delhi by Tomars

Pasanaha Chariu of Vibudh Shridhar (VS 1189-1230) an Apabhramsha writer, provides the first reference to the legend of the origin of the name Dhilli for Delhi.[27] , | , | , | Translation: There are countless villages in Haryana country. The villagers there work hard. They don't accept domination of others, and are experts in making the blood of their enemies flow. Indra himself praises this country. The capital of this country is Dhilli.
[citation needed]

Old Fort and lake outside it, Delhi A VS 1383 inscription in Delhi Museum confirms the founding of Delhi by the Tomars: | ||[clarification needed] Prithviraj Raso also confirms the founding by the Tomars and the legend of the loose nail (i.e., the Iron pillar): | ||[clarification needed]

Iron pillar of Chandragupta with a inscription by Anangpal I Today Gurjars have around 20 villages of Tomar or Tanwar Gujjars in and around Delhi which makes the perception strong that this was originally a Gurjar clan. These Gurjar Tanwars proved to be the toughest repellents to the Britishers in 1857 during the first war of independence. They captured the Matcalfe house for 12 days cutting all supplies to British Armies and declaring independence for Delhi (though for a small period of time only).[citation needed]

Gwalior
A major Tomar kingdom in central India.[citation needed]

Tonwar Garh
The area of Tonwar Garh included tracts between Chambal and Yamuna around Gwalior and Dholpur. It included towns of Asa, Porsa, Ambah, Dist. Morena, Nimar, Porawas etc.
[citation needed]

Torawati Patan
Located in Rajasthan, Haryana border. The kings of Torawati Patan are descendants of Anangpal Tomar, king of Delhi. They have ruled since the fall of Delhi in 1192 AD. under anangpal singh tomar.[citation needed]

Dholpur

Dholpur was founded by Raja Dholan Deo Tomar[28] in 1004 AD, his descendants were ruling in the time of Babar and surrendered to Humayun. Dholan deo Tomar held the country between rivers Chambal and Banganga in early eleventh century.[29]

Hastinapur
Ancient capital of Kuru kings.[citation needed]

Genealogy
Chronology of Kings of Indraprastha
The kings of Indraprastha were chronicled by Wilson. [30], beginning with Yudhishther and ending with Kshemak, who abandoned his kingdom and went to Kalapgram. He was killed by Malechchhs.[31][32]

Chronology of Tomar Kings of Delhi

From Kshemak (last Tomar king of Indraprastha and direct descendant of Parikshit) to Anangpal I:[33] 1. Kshemak 1. Prince Vijayarka, left the country with his brother (or nephew) - Somendra (Shunkh).[8] 1. Vishnuvardhan - moved South to Godavari and split the country with his cousin Uttungabhuja (Tunga), settled at Dharampuri on western bank of Gadavari and 400 villages and towns were under his rule.[8] 2. Shunkhpal (Somendra) - Kshemak's seat was usurped by his minister (Shunkhpal may have been son of Pradyot, who was a son of Kshemak). 3. Tungapal - quitted upper India and took refuge in Southern India established small kingdom - River Tungbhadra named after him.[8][34][35] 4. Abhanga (Nanda) - married daughter of Chola King of Kanchivaram, founded Nandagiri. 5. Javalpal (Vijaypala) (he ruled about 400 AD), was founder of Muganda-Patna by some accounts. 6. Gawal (Somdeva) - whose cattled grazed between Godavari and Krishna.[36] He was driven out by Cuttack Balahara Prince. Somdeva was slain at his capital Kondar. His queen was saved by Madhav Sarma Brahmin at place called Anumakonda.,[36] Gwalior was later established on his name at Gopanchal mountain range. 7. Lorepind[37] 8. Adangal 9. Ganmel, fought with King of Cuttauk[38].

10. Nabhang, destroyed an army of Turks and received 80 Lakh coins[39]. Nalrudra of Cuttack attacked him and received 20 Lakh coins from him. 11. Chukkar 12. Tome 13. Dravyadan Tomar 14. Drugya Tomar 15. Manbha Tomar 16. Kaarwal Tomar 17. Kalang (Kandha) Tomar, he was a local chieftain in kurudesh (modern haryana). 18. Anangpal I - re-established Tomar rule at what is now Delhi, the ancient capital of his ancestors. AD 736 - March- xx, Ruled 18Yrs 19. Vasudev - AD 754 - March - xx, Ruled 19Y-1M-18D 20. Gangeya Tuar - AD 773-Apr-18, Ruled 21Y-3M-28D 21. Prithvipal - AD 794-Aug-16, Ruled 19Y-6M-19D 22. Jagdev or Jaydev - AD 814-Mar-05, Ruled 20Y-7M-28D 23. Narpal - AD 834-Nov-03, Ruled 14Y-4M-09D 24. Udaysangh (Udayraj) - AD 849-Mar-12, Ruled 26Y-7M-11D 25. Jaidas (Vijaypal) - AD 875-Oct-23, Ruled 21Y-2M-13D 26. Vachhal/VrikshPal - AD 897-Jan-01, Ruled 22Y-3M-16D. There were many brothers / uncles of Vacchal Tuar.[40] 1. Bacchdev, founded Bagor near Narnol and Bachera and Baghera near Thoda Ajmer. 2. Nagdeo[40] s/o Karnpal Tuar and brother of Vachhal dev, founded Nagor and Nagda near Ajmer. Karndeo Tuar himself established Bahadurgarh near Alwar. 3. Krishnray[40] s/o Karnpal Tuar, founded Kishangarh near Ajmer and Khas Ganj between Etah and Soron. 4. Nihal Ray[40] s/o Karnpal Tuar, founded Narayanpur near Alwar. 5. Somasi[40] s/o Karnpal Tuar, founded Ajabpur between present day Alwar and Jaipur 6. Harpal[40] s/o Karnpal Tuar, founded Harsola and Harsoli near Alwar. 27. Pavak - AD 919-Apr-22, Ruled 21Y-6M-05D. 28. Vihangpal - AD 940-Oct-27, Ruled 24Y-4M-04D. 29. Tolpal - AD 961-Mar-01, Ruled 18Y-3M-15D. 1. Gopal - either another name of Gopal or ruled on his behalf for a while. 30. Sulakshanpal - AD 979-Jun-16, Ruled 25Y-10M-10D.[41] 31. Jaipal Tuar - 1005-Apr-26, Ruled 25Y-10M-10D. - Younger brother of Sulakshanpal Tuar. As a prince and representative of King of Delhi, he fought with Amir Subaktegin of Gazni ( the predecessor of Md. Gazni ) as head of 100,000 horse and 200,000 foot soldiers, accompanied by Chauhans of Ajmere, Chandela's of Kalinjer and Gahadaval's (Rathore's) of Kannouj. Also referred to as Great Jaipal Tuar-the king of Delhi and Lahore[42]. Fought with Raja Rangatdhwaj Gahadavala (Rathore) and lost sovereignty of Kannauj. His weakness due to the wars with Gahadavala ruler's ensured a brutal attack by Md. Gazni and he lost Mathura to Md. Gazni in 1018 and in 1021 AD Lost Kannauj to Md. Gajni[43][44][45] and paid tribute to him for not attacking Indraprastha. Also

called Vijaypal Tuar in some inscriptions. His daughter married Raja Salivaahan Bhati of Jaisalmer whose progeny was Baland Bhati. 1. His Younger Brother Jhetpal Tuar captured Paithan and his descendants are called Pathania Rajputs. 32. Kanvarpal/Kumara[43] Pal Tuar - 1021-Aug-29, Ruled 29Y-9M-18D.(Masud, grandson of Md. Gazni, captured Hansi briefly in 1038), ruled from Bari[46] in Awadh, which was 3 days south of Kannauj. 1. His Rajya Purohit, the chief priest, was Indrachandra whose descendant was Ramchandra 'Rammya', Samrat Hemu's nephew and General in his army.[47] 33. Anangpal II or AnekPal or Anaypal - 1051-Jun-17, Ruled 29Y-6M-18D.(1052 inscription on the Iron pillar at Mahrauli) , populated Delhi and built Lalkot[48] or Old Fort of Delhi.[46][49] A few known sons of Anangpal are given here, which tell us the extent of his dominions. From Hansi in north to Agra in south and from Ajmer in west to Ganges in east, beyond which were the Katheria Rajputs rulers.
[50]

1. Bhumpal Tomar, younger son - AD 1081, Settled in Narwar area (Near Gwalior) 2. Indrapal,[51] founded Indra Garh 3. Rangraj,[51] founded two palaces by the name of Taragarh, one near Ajmer. 4. Achal Raj, founded Achner between Bharatpur and Agra. 5. Draupad, lived in Hansi 6. Sisupal, founded Sirsa, Siswal (also called Sirsa Patan) 7. Surajpal, Suraj Kund in Mehrauli Delhi was built by him. 8. Beejpal, settled in Buhana, his descendants ruled the Tanwar ka Illaqa.[52] 34. Tejpal - AD 1081-Jan-05, Ruled 24Y-1M-06D , founded Tejora between Gurgaon and Alwar. Built Shiv Temple at Agra called Tejomahal. 35. Mahipal/Junpal - 1105-Feb-11, Ruled 25Y-2M-23D. Mahipal captured Hansi and Sthaneshwar (modern day Thanesar)from Madud, grandson of Md. Gazni.[53] 36. Dakatpal (Arkpal or Anangpal III) - 1151-Jul-19, Ruled 1192 till the Capture of Delhi by Md. Ghori, Titular head only, lost to Someshwar dev Chauhan of Ajmer in 1152 and married daughter to Chauhan king and thus became a feudatory of his Chauhan son in law and later his grandson Rai Pithora of Ajmer. Prithviraj Chauhan was proclaimed the heir of Tomar Kingdom in AD 1170 and his rule was 22Y-2M-16D. 1. Govindraj Tanwar fought for Prithviraj Chauhan and was killed in battle with Md Ghori.