Question

Who wrote Hamir Raso?
(A) Jodharaj
(B) Chand Bard
(C) Amir Khusrau
(D) Abul Fazl

Answer 1

Hint: The book Hamir Raso is the biography of the last Chauhana king of Ranastambhapura. The name of the king was Hammiradeva who is also known as Hamir Dev by Muslim scholars. His kingdom was centered around the present day state of Rajasthan.

Complete step by step answer: Hamir Raso, the biography of king Hammir Dev is written by the famous poet and scholar Jodharaja. Hammiradeva invaded several kingdoms in the 1280s. In the 1290s he had defeated Jalaluddin Khalji of Delhi sultanate and later by helping Mongols in Delhi sultanate he prompted Alauddin Khalji, the successor of Jalaluddin Khalji. He had successfully defeated Alauddin Khilji's generals but he was ultimately defeated in1301 and was killed. Hammir Dev was the son of king Jaitra Singh and queen Hira Devi and had two elder brothers namely, Suratrana and Virama. Although he was not the eldest son yet his father appointed him as his successor due to his skills and knowledge.
After coming on the throne he launched campaigns against his neighbors in all directions which ultimately left him with no allies. His campaigns were against various Hindu rulers including Malwa, Ujjayini, Dhara, and many other kingdoms. The inscription at Balvan mentions that he performed a sacrifice ritual which was similar to Ashwamedha Yagna, known as Koti-Yagna. This yagna was performed by the royal priest.

So the correct answer is (A) Jodharaj. Hamir Raso was written by Jodharaj.

Note: Along with Jodharaj, Nayachandra Suri and Chandrashekhara also wrote about Ranastambhapura’s king Hammir Dev and celebrated his glory in their books Hammira Mahakavya and Hammira –Hatha respectively.