| Govindaraja IV | |
|---|---|
| Ghurid vassal ofSapadalaksha | |
| Reign | c. 1192 CE |
| Predecessor | Prithviraja III |
| Successor | Hariraja |
| Issue | Valhana |
| Dynasty | Chahamanas of Shakambhari |
| Father | Prithviraja III |
Govindaraja IV (r. c. 1192 CE) was an Indian king belonging to theChahamana dynasty, which ruled the Sapadalaksha region in present-day north-western India. TheGhurid invaders defeated and killed his fatherPrithviraja III, while he was still a minor, and appointed him as a vassal ruler of the Chahamana kingdom. His uncleHariraja dethroned him for accepting the Ghurid suzerainty. Subsequently, Govindaraja established anew branch of theChahamanas of Ranastambhapura.
Govinda-raja was born to the Chahamana kingPrithviraja III. The 16th centuryTarikh-i-Firishta names him as "Gola", which is probably a mistranscription of "Guva", adiminutive of "Govinda".[1]
In 1192 CE, the Ghurids invaded the Chahamana kingdom, defeating and killing Govindaraja's father. The victorMuhammad of Ghor then appointed Govindaraja as a vassal ruler.[2] Since Prithviraja was around 26 years old at the time of his death, Govindaraja appears to have been a minor at the time of his ascension.[3]
During Govindaraja's short reign, the Ghurids subjugated the rebel Chahamana governors, including those at Delhi andHansi.[4] Govindaraja's uncleHariraja rebelled against the Ghurid rule in Ajmer, forcing Govindaraja to take shelter in theRanthambore Fort. The Ghurid governorQutb al-Din Aibak rushed from Delhi to Ranthambore, and forced Hariraja's army to retreat. Govindaraja gifted three golden melons to the Ghurid governor to express his gratitude.[5]
Govindaraja then returned to Ajmer. However, in 1193 CE, Hariraja again invaded Ajmer, supported by Prithviraja's rebel generalSkanda. Once again, Govindaraja had to flee to Ranthambore. This time, Hariraja managed to occupy Ajmer, and became the new Chahamana king.[6] Hariraja was defeated by the Ghurids in 1194 CE. Meanwhile, Govindaraja was granted thefief of Ranthambore.[7] His son Valhana (or Balhana) ruled succeeded him on the Ranthambore throne as a vassal of theDelhi Sultanate.[1]
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