Prithviraj: All you need to know about Manushi Chhillar’s Sanyogita, wife of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan

Sanyogita,Samyukta or Sanjukta

Sanyogita is also referred to by the names of Samyukta or Sanjukta, and is mentioned in the Brajbhasha epic poem Prithviraj Raso. She is described as one of the three wives of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan, after Shashivrata and Padmavati. She was known for her beauty and bold, strong willed nature.

Sanyogita’s family

Sanyogita is the daughter of Jaichand or Jayachandra of Kannauj. The king had an intense rivalry with Prithviraj Chauhan. Jaichand had gone into battle with the Chandela king Paramardi ,against Prithviraj.

Sanyogita and Prithviraj Chauhan

Sanyogita had fallen in love with Prithviraj Chauhan after she had heard tales of the king’s valour. In turn, Prithviraj himself fell in love with the princess, first hearing about her tales of immense beauty. The two had a budding romance behind Jaichand’s back.

Sanyogita’s svayamvara

When Jaichand came to know of the duo’s love, he decided to put an end to it, and devised a way to humiliate his rival. Jaichand arranged a grand svayamvara for his daughter, inviting kings from far and wide, except Prithviraj. In order to mock the king further, Jaichand decided to build a statue of Prithviraj Chauhan and had it placed near the door, to make it appear in the role of a ‘doorman’ or dvarpala.

Sanyogita’s choice

During her svayamvara, Sanyogita had made up her mind that her heart belongs to Prithviraj Chauhan. Ignoring the rest of her suitors, she promptly went towards the statue and put the garland around its neck. This scene is also recreated in the Akshay Kumar starrer film as well, as seen from the trailer. The king, who was hiding behind the statue, sweeped his beloved in his arms, and he and Sanyogita rode away to Delhi together. This made Jaichand furious.

Sanyogita in history

There aren't many mentions of Sanyogita in history other than in Prithviraj Raso. The historical existence of Sanyogita has thus been a subject of debate. Prithviraja Vijaya also has a brief reference to the princess.

Sanyogita in the media

Manushi Chillar essays the role in the upcoming Akshay Kumar starrer film, which marks her Bollywood debut. In the TV series Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan, the role of Sanyogita was portrayed by Mugdha Chaphekar. In the 1962 film Raani Samyuktha, the character was played by Padmini.

Prithviraj- Other characters

In addition to Manushi and Akshay, Prithviraj also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and Ashutosh Rana in pivotal roles. Sanjay stars as Kaka Kanha while Sonu essays the role of Prithviraj’s right hand man Chand Bardai. Ashutosh stars as Jaichand.

Prithviraj

Prithviraj is directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The historical drama will be released in theatres on June 3.