In 1191, Mu'izz al-Din captured the fortress of Bhatinda in East Punjab, which was on the frontier of Prithiviraj Chauhan's domains. Prithviraj marched on to Bhatinda and met his enemy at a place called Tarain (also called Taraori) near the ancient town of Thanesar. The Ghurid army initiates battle by attacking with cavalry who launch arrows at the Rajput center. The forces of Prithviraj counter-attack from three sides and dominate the battle, pressuring the Ghurid army into a withdrawal. Meanwhile, Mu'izz al-Din is wounded in personal combat with Prithviraj's brother, Govind Tai. The victory of Prithviraj was decisive, he inflicted the crushing defeat on Mu'izz ad-Din by completely routing his forces and succeeded in stopping the Ghurid advance towards Hindustan in the first battle of Tarain. He did not pursue Ghori's army either not wanting to invade hostile territory or misjudging Ghori's ambition, instead electing to retake the fortress of Bhatinda.
1st Battle of Tarain
Date -- 1191
Location -- near Thanesar
Result -- Decisive Chauhan Rajput victory
Territorial
changes -- Prithviraj retakes the fortress of Bhatinda
Belligerents
Ghurid Empire -- Rajput
Commanders and leaders
Mu'izz al-Din (WIA) -- Prithviraj Chauhan
Strength
unknown[2] -- unknown, reportedly outnumbered Mu'izz al-Din's army
