The earliest extant manuscript of Prithviraj Raso, discovered at Dharanojwali village of Gujarat, is dated 1610. However, some scholars still believe that Chand Bardai was a historical court poet of Prithviraj, and he composed a text that forms the basis of the present version of Prithviraj Raso. The text's language points to a date much later than the 12th century, and its current recension mentions the 13th century king Samarsi (Samarsimha or Samar Singh), whom it anachronistically describes as a contemporary of Prithviraj. Most modern scholars do not consider Prithviraj Raso to have been composed during Prithviraj's time. The last canto, which narrates the death of Chand Bardai and Prithviraj, is said to have been composed by Chand Bardai's son Jalha (or Jalhan). 6.1 Examples of historical inaccuraciesĪccording to tradition, the Prithviraj Raso was composed by Chand Bardai, Prithviraj's court poet ( raj kavi ), who accompanied the king in all his battles.5.1 Similarities with Prithviraja Prabandha.
