Detailed Notes
Prithu was associated with the Khen dynasty, which is believed to have descended from the legendary figure Narakasura. The rulers of this lineage worshipped Kamteswari, a form of Goddess Durga, and emerged as powerful local chiefs after the decline of the Pala dynasty. During Prithu's reign, Bakhtiyar Khilji attempted to expand his influence towards Tibet after conquering parts of Bengal and destroying Nalanda University.
When Khilji's army entered the region with thousands of cavalry and infantry, Maharaja Prithu used strategic tactics to weaken the invaders. He allowed the army to advance deep into his territory, cut their supply lines, destroyed a key bridge, and trapped the exhausted soldiers. The Kamarupa forces then launched coordinated attacks that reportedly destroyed most of the invading army. The Kanai Barasi Bowa inscription near North Guwahati is often linked to this historic victory.
Maharaja Prithu also defeated Ghiyasuddin Iwaz and resisted other invasions. However, in 1228 CE he was reportedly defeated by Nasiruddin Mahmud, son of Sultan Iltutmish, and is believed to have taken his own life to avoid capture. Today he is remembered as a heroic defender of Assam, and in 2025 a major flyover in Guwahati was named in his honor.