King Prithu Rae, Background, Bakhtiyar Khilji’s Invasion, Evidence

King Prithu Rae was a brave and capable ruler of the Kamrupa kingdom in present-day Assam during the early 13th century. He is best known for defending his region against foreign invasions, especially defeating Bakhtiyar Khilji. His leadership helped protect the independence and culture of Northeast India. Though not widely known in mainstream history, he is remembered as a heroic and just king in regional traditions.

About King Prithu Rae

• King Prithu Rae Background
  • King Prithu Rae, also known as Raja Prithu Rae, was an important ruler of the Kamrupa kingdom (present-day Assam) during the early 13th century. He is remembered as a brave and capable king who protected his region during a time of invasions.
  • He belonged to the Khen dynasty, which claimed descent from Narakasura, a legendary figure in Indian mythology. This connection gave the dynasty a sense of cultural and traditional importance.
  • The Khen rulers were devoted to Goddess Kamteswari, who is considered a form of Goddess Durga, showing their strong connection to Hindu religious traditions.
  • After the decline of the Pala Dynasty, the Khens rose from being local chiefs to powerful rulers and later established the Kamata Kingdom, which was also known by names like Kamru, Kamrud, Kamrupa, Kamata, Koch, or Koch Hajo in different historical sources.
• Recognition and Historical Importance
  • King Prithu has not been widely highlighted in mainstream Indian history, but he holds an important place in local traditions, inscriptions, and regional stories of Assam.
  • In recent years, his legacy has gained attention due to historian Raktim Patar, who wrote the book Maharaja Prithu: The Unsung Warrior King Who Annihilated Bakhtiyar Khalji in 2021, presenting him as a forgotten hero.
  • British historian Wolseley Haig also mentioned that Prithu defeated Hisan Uddin Iwaz, a ruler associated with the Delhi Sultanate, which further highlights his military strength.
• Prithu and Bakhtiyar Khilji’s Invasion
  • Bakhtiyar Khilji was a powerful military commander under Muhammad of Ghor. He was among the early leaders who tried to expand Turko-Afghan rule into eastern parts of India.
  • Around 1205-1206 CE, after attacking regions like Nalanda, Khilji planned to expand his empire further by moving towards Tibet through Kamrupa.
  • However, when his army entered Kamrupa, they faced strong resistance and were completely defeated. Many local accounts say that Khilji was badly injured during this failed campaign.
  • This defeat is considered very important because it was one of the earliest successful resistances against Turko-Afghan invasions in Northeast India, showing the strength of local rulers like Prithu.
• Evidence and Historical Records
  • The Kanai Varasi rock inscription in Assam provides evidence that the invading Turkish forces were destroyed in 1206 CE, supporting the story of this victory.
  • Historical texts like the Persian chronicle Tabaqat-i-Nasiri and inscriptions from North Guwahati mention a ruler named Bartu or Prithu, who is believed to have defeated Khilji.
  • Although there is no clear and direct record naming King Prithu, many modern historians believe that he was the ruler responsible for this important victory.
• Key Contributions and Achievements
  • King Prithu is mainly known for defeating Bakhtiyar Khilji and protecting Kamrupa from invasion, which helped maintain the region’s independence.
  • The Kanai Varasi inscription stands as proof of the complete destruction of the invading army, making this event historically significant.
  • Despite his military success, Prithu showed kindness and humanity by pardoning prisoners of war and following the principles of Dharma Yuddha (righteous and ethical warfare).
  • King Prithu is remembered as a brave, just, and responsible ruler who defended his land during a difficult time.
  • Even though he is not very prominent in mainstream history books, he is respected as a heroic defender of Assam and Northeast India in regional history, folklore, and inscriptions.

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