Pajawan

Pajawan or Pajjun was ruler of Dhundhar with his capital at Amber, India. He was fifth Kachwaha ruler of this area. He was married to Prithviraj Chauhan's cousin. He was prominent and trusted general of Prithviraj Chauhan. Col. James Todd found a stone inscription of Prithviraj II at Hansi dated 1168 (travels in western India). In this inscription Kilhan, Hammir, and Pajjun are mentioned as commanding officers of Hansi fort. According to Kachwaha vanshawali Pajawan ruled Amber from 1161 to 1185 which is supported by stone inscription of Hansi and Prithviraj Raso.

According to Prithviraj Raso and literature about Kachwahas it is found that army of Muhammad of Ghor was defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan many times before two main battles of Tarain. Two of such battles were at Hansi and Nagour. Pajawan played major role in thease battles. Prithviraj Chauhan attacked Raja Parmardi Chandel of Mahoba. Pajawan was also with him in this battle. The battle was won by Prithviraj and he appointed Pajawan governor of Mahoba.

In 1185 Raja Jaichand of Kannauj organised Swayamvara of his daughter Sanyogita. All prominent kings and princes were invited in this ceremony but he deleberately avoided Prithviraj Chauhan. Furthermore he placed an earthen statue of Prithviraj at the entrance of the venue, posing him to be doorman. Prithviraj got information about it. He arrived at Kannauj in disguise together with his trusted generals. Pajawan was also with him. When Sanyogita chose Prithviraj as her would be husband by placing garland on the statue of Prithviraj. He took her with him on a horse and escaped. Pursuing forces of Jaichand got engaged with Pajawan in a firce battle. Pajawan his three brothers Palanasi, Jaitsi, and Kansi and two sons Balbhadra and Bhinvsi were killed in this battle while Pajwans son Malayasi seriously wounded. It is said that Pajawan fought 64 battles in his life. He was a great warrior. Some authors believe that Pajawan was not killed in 1185 at Kannauj but accomanied Prithviraj Chauhan III in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 and was killed in it.

Upon death of Pajawan Chandbardai said:
"Aaj rad dhilladi, aaj Dhundhar anathai"
"Aaj adin Prithviraj, aaj sanwant bin mathai"
"Aaj par dal dal jor, aaj nij dal bhram bhagge"
"Aaj mahi bin kasam, aaj marjad ullage"
"Hinduwan aaj tuti dhili, aaj turkani ucchatiya"
"Kuram Pajjun marata thakan,manu chap gun tuttiya"
(Today the fight has weakened, today Dhundhar has become orphan. Today Prithviraj has become a fighter without head. Today enemies forces have become strong, and own forces are in confusion. Today the land has started crossing her limitations like a widowed woman. Today Hindus lost their heart and invaders encouraged. With the death of "Kurma"(Kachwaha) Pajjun, Prithviraj has become a bow with broken string.)

ee also

*List of Rajputs