Siege of Kalinjar (1203)
The siege of Kalinjar was a military expedition conducted by the Ghurid Empire under the leadership of Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish against the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti in 1203. During this campaign, the Ghurids successfully captured the Kalinjar fortress after laying siege to it. The Ghurid forces emerged victorious, defeating the Chandelas, and the Chandela ruler Paramardi surrendered Kalinjar to the Ghurids.
Background
Kalinjar served as the political capital of the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti. It faced an invasion by Prithviraj Chauhan of the Chauhan Dynasty in 1183. However, following Prithviraj's demise after the Second Battle of Tarain, the Chandelas reclaimed their dominance over Kalinjar. The Chandela dynasty was ruled by Paramardi, its last major king.Siege
In 1202–1203, Qutb-uddin Aibak, along with his fellow commander Iltutmish, led an expedition towards Kalinjar. His forces defeated the Chandela army and captured Kalinjar. Although Paramardi surrendered and agreed to pay tribute, he died before fulfilling his commitments. According to Firishta, his chief minister Aj Deo assassinated him.Aj Deo, continued the defense, prolonging the siege until a severe drought depleted the fort's water reserves. On 27 April 1203, the garrison weakened by thirst and exhaustion surrendered and evacuated the stronghold. Thus Kalinjar fell under Ghurid control.