Silhadi

Raja Shiladitya, also called Silhadi, was a Tomar Rajput chieftain of northeast Malwa in the early decades of 16th century India.^[1] He commanded a mercenary force of Rajputs from Bihar and Awadh who were known as Purbiya Rajputs (Eastern Rajputs) and for that reason is himself occasionally referred to as a Purbiya Rajput by contemporary sources.^[2] He remained a decisive factor in the politics of north and central India during his life and was responsible for sinking the fortunes of many kings by his sudden defections. He gained everlasting notoriety by betraying Rana Sanga in the battle of Khanwa and causing the Rajput confederacy’s defeat.^[3]

Roots

His roots can probably be traced to the Gwalior district. He, along with his kinsfolk Medini Rai,^[4] rose to positions of power in the service of Sultan Mahmood Khilji II (ruled 1510-1531) of Malwa. Medini Rai and Silhadi were de facto rulers of the northeastern Malwa region during Mahmood’s reign. Bhilsa, Chanderi and Raisen were their strongholds. At one time they had become so powerful that they seemed to threaten Mandu, the capital of the sultanate, itself. Only after some assistance from Gujarat Sultan Bahadur Shah, was Mahmood able to keep Purabiyas at bay.

References