21/04/2023
Exquisite details of pillar, Kiradu Temple, Barmer
~11th cen CE
The details of circular capital supporting bracket having same pattern as ring at the bottom. Same pattern is seen in Qutab complex.
Uma-Maheshwara and Skanda.
Details of pillar and doorjamb from Kiradu Temple Complex, Barmer
Dated: ~11th century CE
See the beautiful KirtiMukha friezes on the capital. In older times it was known as Kiratakupa and ruled by vassals of Chaulukya kings. Note ornately carved Kalasha.
A 1178 CE Kiradu inscription, issued during the reign of the Chaulukya Bhima II, records repairs to a temple damaged by the Turushka. These Turushkas are identified with the Ghurids led by Muhammad of Ghor, who were defeated by the Chaulukya forces at the Battle of Kasahrada.
The most notable event of Mularaja's short reign was the Battle of Kasahrada, which took place in 1178 CE at modern Kyara (in Sirohi district; also called Kayadara or Kayadram). In this battle, the Chaulukya forces defeated the Muslim Ghurid invaders led by Muhammad of Ghori.
According to the 13th century Persian chronicler Minhaj-i-Siraj, Muhammad of Ghor marched towards Nahrwala (the Chaulukya capital Anahilavada) via Uchchha and Multan. The "Rae of Nahrwala" (the Chaulukya king) was young, but commanded a huge army with elephants.
In the ensuing battle, "the army of Islam was defeated and put to rout", and the invading ruler had to return to without any accomplishment.
Nizam-ud-din gives a similar account, and states that Muhammad of Ghori marched to Gujarat via desert.
Badauni also mentions the invader's defeat, and states that he retreated to Ghazni with great difficulty. Firishta also states that the ruler of Gujarat defeated the Muslim army "with great slaughter", and the remnant of the defeated army vanished during return journey.
