Do you know him? Probably not. Because his story has been conveniently suppressed to make way for the "grand" sultanates of Delhi. Carefully omitting him from the pages of history to galvanize "grandeur" and "achievements" of religious marauders.
They wouln't tell you that the entire Qutb complex (the pinnacle of all Delhi sultanate things & India's most visited monument - even ahead of the Taj Mahal) sits on his legacy - a magnificent complex of twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples. Within the boundaries of a grand fort called Lal Kot, later enlarged by none other than Prithviraj Chauhan & named Qila Rai Pithora. Remnant of which still sits there, very clearly visible & very cleverly ignored. But an architecturally impotent invader comes in. Breaks whatever he could. Places a stupid dome on top. Calls it Qutb Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi. And you go whoa! Let's take selfie here.
They also wouldn't tell you that his name is inscripted on the famous rust-free iron pillar (alongside its makers, the Guptas) that predates Islam (let alone the sultans in question) - "Samvat Dihali 1109 Ang Pāl bahi".
And thus King Anangapal Tomar, the original establisher of our capital, as we know today, has been ignored & dishonoured by us.
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