Queen, Warrior, Legend Naiki Devi: Her Triumphs and Triumph over Time

 

Welcome to Chapter 5 of Feminist Musing; the next on the list is Naiki Devi. I am Reet Hande, and let's learn about Naiki Devi from a feminist lens. 

Warrior women have always captivated the imagination of people worldwide, from the legendary Amazons of Greek mythology to the indomitable Queen Boadicea of Roman Britain. India, too, boasts its own cadre of formidable women who have demonstrated unparalleled courage on the battlefield and astute leadership skills. While the stories of renowned warriors like Kittur Chenamma, Rani Abbaka Chowta, and Rani Lakshmibai have received well-deserved recognition, there exist numerous unsung heroines whose remarkable tales have faded into obscurity.

One such unsung warrior is Naiki Devi, a Goan princess who would later ascend to the throne as the Chalukya queen of Gujarat, ultimately defeating the formidable Muhammad Ghori on the battlefield. In this blog post, we delve into the captivating narrative of this brave woman, seeking to answer the questions surrounding her prominence in Gujarat's history and why the battle that ensued became an extraordinary chapter in the annals of Gujarat's past. Join us on this journey as we uncover the untold story of Naiki Devi and her historical triumph.

Naiki Devi: The Early Years

Born into royalty as a princess of the Kadamba kingdom, Naiki Devi's life took an extraordinary turn when she married Ajay Pal, the Chalukya Solanki monarch of Patan. Following her husband's untimely demise in 1175, their son, Mularaja II, assumed the throne. As Mularaja was but a child, it was Naiki Devi who stepped forward, assuming the role of Raj Mata and effectively ruling over an extensive territory encompassing much of modern-day Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Battle of Kasahrada

The pages of history reveal that Naiki Devi's valorous leadership would soon be put to the test when the formidable Muhammad Ghori, an Islamic invader, began his campaign to establish Islamic dominance over North India in 1175 CE. Ghori's conquests included Multan in 1175, Punjab in 1179, Peshawar in 1180, Sialkot in 1185, and ultimately Delhi in 1192. However, what remains relatively unknown is Ghori's resounding defeat at the hands of Chalukyan (Solanki) queen Naiki Devi at the Battle of Kasahrada in 1178 CE.

Ghori vs. Naiki Devi

Muhammad Ghori, driven by religious conviction, aimed to conquer India and accumulate riches from his base in Multan. He had heard tales of Mahmud Ghazni's raids and was inspired to embark on his own ambitious campaign. Ghori led a substantial army towards Anhilwara, the capital of the Chalukya Empire, which encompassed the regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat at the time.

Ghori's perception was that the Chalukyan people, lacking a strong monarch, were vulnerable and easy to conquer. Little did he know that he would soon be proven terribly wrong.

Inside the Battlefield

As the threat of Ghori's invasion loomed, Naiki Devi, a masterful tactician and warrior, sought aid from neighboring feudatory kings such as Kirtipala of the Jalor Chahamana, Dharavarsha of the Arbuda Paramara, and Kelhanadeva of the Naddula Chahamana. Recognizing the diminishing strength of the Chalukyan army, Naiki Devi strategically selected the rocky terrain of Gadaraghatta, near Kasahrada, as the battlefield.

This choice was deliberate, as the rugged terrain hindered the attackers and diluted the force of their onslaught, providing Naiki Devi and her forces with a crucial advantage. Ghori, on the other hand, led an army composed of veteran warriors, skilled steppe nomads, elite armored cavalry, and Central Asian steppe horses, which bestowed his forces with speed and endurance. Motivated by fervent religious conviction, Ghori and his men were determined to vanquish non-Muslims and establish Islamic dominance, as had previous Islamic invaders.

The Clash of Titans

Ghori attempted to negotiate with Naiki Devi, proposing that if she surrendered to him, he would spare Gujarat. However, Naiki Devi, with her child strapped to her lap, bravely approached Ghori's encampment, seemingly accepting his proposal. Yet, it was a ruse. Shortly thereafter, the Rajputs, led by Naiki Devi, launched a fierce attack on Ghori's forces, sowing chaos among the Ghurids.

The battle elephants of the Rajputs, heavily armored and standing in formation like an impervious wall, charged forward with the force of a tempest. They succeeded in demoralizing Ghori's battle-hardened infantry. Naiki Devi herself exhibited extraordinary martial prowess, defeating every enemy soldier who dared to confront her, all while carrying her child.

As the dust settled, the Ghurid army began a hasty retreat, with Muhammad Ghori himself fleeing the battlefield with only a handful of loyal bodyguards. Ghori's pride was shattered, and he never again attempted to conquer Gujarat. Instead, he redirected his ambitions toward the more exposed Punjab region, entering North India through the Khyber Pass the following year.

Aftermath

Muhammad Ghori's failure at Kasahrada marked a turning point in his ambitions. His humiliating defeat at the hands of the indomitable Naiki Devi ensured that Gujarat remained unconquered. The courageous queen's victory is etched into the annals of Gujarat's history, acknowledged by state chroniclers and Chalukyan inscriptions alike.

3 Less Known Facts about Naiki Devi

• Military Prowess: Naiki Devi's remarkable military skills and her ability to lead her army into battle were pivotal in repelling the invasion of Mohammed of Ghori. Her training in sword fighting, cavalry, military strategies, and diplomacy made her a formidable opponent. Despite being underestimated by Ghori, she successfully defended her kingdom and defeated his army in a thrilling counterattack.
• Strategic Battle Location: One of Naiki Devi's brilliant strategic moves was choosing the battle site at Gadaraghatta, a narrow hill pass near the foot of Mount Abu. This terrain was unfamiliar to Ghori's army, giving her a significant advantage in the battle. Her choice of location played a crucial role in her victory.
• Role in Shaping Indian History: Naiki Devi's victory over Mohammed Ghori had a significant impact on Indian history. If she had not defeated Ghori and his army, the course of Indian history could have been very different. Her contribution to the Chalukya Dynasty and her role as a warrior queen deserves recognition and attention, which is why a Gujarati film, "Nayika Devi: The Warrior Queen," was made to inform the masses about her historical significance.

Naiki Devi as a Feminist Icon

Naiki Devi emerges as a remarkable feminist icon from history, demonstrating that the spirit of resilience and courage knows no gender boundaries. Her story, though lesser known, exemplifies the strength of women in positions of power.

As the daughter of Chandela emperor Paramardi, Naiki Devi's journey began in royalty, but it was her marriage to Chalukya ruler Ajayapala that thrust her into the limelight. After Ajayapala's death in 1175, she assumed the role of regent for her young son, Mularaja.

Naiki Devi's defining moment came when Mohammed of Ghori sought to conquer the fertile land of Anhilwara Patan in 1173. Underestimating her abilities, Ghori believed that a woman and child posed no threat. However, he soon discovered his grave miscalculation.

Highly skilled in warfare, diplomacy, and military strategy, Naiki Devi rallied her forces and cleverly chose the Gadaraghatta terrain as the battle site. This less-known location gave her the upper hand, and with her son on her lap, she led her soldiers into a thrilling counterattack.

The battle that ensued witnessed Naiki Devi's army defeating one of the strongest forces, causing Ghori to retreat. Even when Ghori attempted to negotiate a surrender, she outwitted him, leading to his capture.

While historical records of Naiki Devi's triumph may be limited, she stands as a symbol of female empowerment and a testament to the untold stories of women who shaped history. As her legacy gains recognition, her story reminds us of the need to delve deeper into the past to uncover the hidden heroines who made significant contributions to their societies.

Conclusion

The Battle of Kasahrada, where Naiki Devi emerged victorious against all odds, stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage and leadership of this unsung heroine. Her triumph not only preserved Gujarat's sovereignty but also altered the course of history. Naiki Devi's tale deserves a place of honor among the inspiring narratives of India's warrior queens. Let us remember her as a symbol of unwavering determination and a beacon of hope for women everywhere. It is time to celebrate the uncelebrated heroine of Gujarat's history, Naiki Devi, and ensure that her remarkable victory is never forgotten.