The Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE) was fought between which two rulers in North India?

Introduction / Context:
The battles of Tarain occupy an important place in medieval Indian history, particularly in relation to the establishment of Turkish rule in North India. The Second Battle of Tarain, fought in 1192 CE, is especially significant because it marked a decisive victory for Muhammad Ghori over the Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. Many competitive exams test the pairing of rulers and dates for this battle.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE.
• Several pairs of rulers are listed, including Alexander and Porus, Jai Chand and Muhammad Ghori, Akbar and Hemu, Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan, and Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.
• We must identify the correct pair directly associated with the Second Battle of Tarain.
• Other options refer to different battles or time periods.

Concept / Approach:
The basic concept is to connect each pair of rulers to the correct historical battle. Alexander and Porus fought at the Battle of the Hydaspes. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi fought at the First Battle of Panipat. Akbar and Hemu faced each other at the Second Battle of Panipat. The Second Battle of Tarain was fought between the Ghurid ruler Muhammad Ghori and the Chauhan ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. Remembering this mapping allows quick elimination of wrong choices.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick alternative check is to recall the consequences of the Second Battle of Tarain. After this battle, Muhammad Ghori established control over large parts of North India and left his slave general Qutub ud din Aibak to consolidate power. This leads to the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate. None of the other pairs had this specific outcome in 1192 CE, which confirms that Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan are the correct rulers associated with this event.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Alexander and King Porus: They fought at the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BCE, not at Tarain.
• Jai Chand of Kannauj and Muhammad Ghori: Jai Chand was involved in other conflicts, but the classic Tarain battles are associated with Prithviraj Chauhan.
• Emperor Akbar and Hemu Vikramaditya: They fought at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 CE.
• Babur and Ibrahim Lodi: These rulers fought at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often mix up battles and rulers because several well known battles are called first and second, such as Tarain and Panipat. A good way to avoid confusion is to link Tarain with Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori, and Panipat with Babur, Ibrahim Lodi, Akbar and Hemu. Remembering the dates and outcomes strengthens this association.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan.