Prithviraja III (reigned c. 1168–1192 CE) is best known as a ruler of which Rajput dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
Prithviraja III, commonly known as Prithviraj Chauhan, is one of the most famous Rajput kings of North Indian history. He is remembered for his resistance to the Ghurid invasions and for the battles of Tarain. To place him correctly within the broader map of medieval India, it is important to know which dynasty and region he belonged to.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question specifies Prithviraja III (c. 1168–1192 CE).
• It asks which dynasty he is best known as ruling.
• The options list several dynasties: Chahamana (Chauhan), Gahadavala, Chalukya, Brahmana and Paramara.
• We must match Prithviraj with his historically attested Rajput dynasty.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is that Prithviraja III was a ruler of the Chahamana dynasty, more popularly called the Chauhan dynasty, ruling from Ajmer and Delhi. The Gahadavala dynasty, with rulers like Jayachandra, ruled in the region of Kanauj. The Chalukyas (or Solankis) ruled mainly in Gujarat, and the Paramaras ruled in Malwa. 'Brahmana dynasty' is not a standard name for a Rajput royal line. Therefore, recognising the association of Prithviraj with Ajmer Delhi Chauhans allows us to select the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts dealing with the period just before the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate routinely refer to Prithviraj III as the last important ruler of the Chauhan dynasty of Ajmer and Delhi. Inscriptions and literary works such as 'Prithviraj Raso' also associate him with the Chahamanas. No credible source associates him as a ruler of the Gahadavala, Chalukya or Paramara dynasties, confirming that 'Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty' is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Gahadavala dynasty: This dynasty was based at Kanauj and is associated with King Jayachandra, not Prithviraj Chauhan.
• Chalukya (Solanki) dynasty: Ruled parts of Gujarat and the Deccan, unrelated to Prithviraj's territory.
• Brahmana dynasty: Not a recognised name for the Rajput line to which Prithviraj belonged.
• Paramara dynasty: Known for rulers like Bhoja of Malwa, not for Prithviraj Chauhan.

Common Pitfalls:
Because there were several Rajput dynasties ruling different parts of North India, students sometimes confuse Prithviraj's dynasty with other contemporary houses such as the Gahadavalas or Paramaras. A simple memory trick is to associate 'Chauhan of Ajmer and Delhi' with Prithviraj and to remember that 'Chahamana' is the formal dynasty name corresponding to Chauhan.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty.