Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

Author(s): T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

Page 57

TOMAR KINGS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO JAINISM
The Humble Beginning of Tomars :
In the midst of political turmoil generated by the Muhammuden holocast from the time of invasion of Mohammad Ghazni in India, two Rajput Princes that realised the importance of being submissive were Perumal Deva and Uddhar Deva. They joined the service at Delhi Sultanate during the time of Allauddin Tughlak. Sikandar Khan, a nobleman of the Sultanate who was also the advisor of Allauddin had initially recruited these two young princes as service personnel in the palace.
One night when it was heavily raining, the Sultan happened to see two guards standing on duty while others were fast asleep. On enquiries, he learnt that they belong to the detachment under the Command of Sikandar Khan.
Pleased at their perseverence, of their duty the Sultan permitted them to make a request which would be granted. Pleading for their poor social status and in absolute need to have a house for their family, they wanted that Gwalior might be allotted to them. Their request was granted and they become official owners of Gwalior.
These two Rajput princes, Permal Deva and Uddhar Deva, even the when Sayyids took over the sultanate at Delhi, they continued to keep up their loyalty.
The Rajput valour in heart of hearts did not allow them to be submissive always. One day, they hosted a dinner to the Sayyid royalty at a place called Ranipura. In a grand oriental style the Afghan royalty was served with delicious dishes intoxicating with drugs. Later, the royal guests retired to the tent, specially pitched in their honour. In the dead of night while they were fast asleep, they were all put to death. Thus, ended the Sayyid dynasty of Sultans. In due course, they exerted their position as the kings of Gwalior under the name, Tanwar (Tomar) dynasty.
The Initial Tomar Kings of Gwalior : (1394-1440 A.D.)
The enterprising advantures that proclaimed the first kings of Gwalior were evidently (1) Perumal Deva and (2) Udhara Deva who reigned for 11 years. Later, we come across another king Bairon Deva who had a longer reign of 15 years. The fifth king in succession
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