Anangpal II

Why in news?

• The government has recently formed a committee to popularise the legacy of 11th-century Tomar king, Anangpal II.

Who was Anangpal II?

• Anangpal II, popularly known as Anangpal Tomar, belonged to the Tomar dynasty that ruled parts of present-day Delhi and Haryana between the 8th and 12th centuries.
• The capital of Tomars changed many times from being initially at Anangpur (near Faridabad) during the reign of Anangpal I (who founded the Tomar dynasty in the 8th century), to Dhillikapuri (Delhi) during the reign of Anangpal II.
• The Tomar rule over the region is attested by multiple inscriptions and coins.
• Anangpal Tomar II was succeeded by his grandson Prithviraj Chauhan, who was defeated by the Ghurid forces in the Battle of Tarain (present-day Haryana) after which the Delhi Sultanate was established in 1192.

His connection with Delhi

• Anangpal II is credited to have established and populated Delhi during his reign in the 11th century.
• Anangpal II was instrumental in populating and giving Delhi its present name.
• It was he who built Lal Kot fort and Anangtal Baoli.

Prelims Question

Anangpal II is a medieval era king associated with establishment of which modern day city?
(a)Kolkata
(b)Delhi
(c)Lucknow
(d)Ahmedabad 

Answer to the Prelims Question