1. Both the rulers as expansionists:
Sher Shah was an expansionist through and through. Similarly Maldev, a powerful ruler of Mewar and a contemporary of Sher Shah was an expansionist.
In particular both of them wanted to occupy eastern Rajasthan because of its being a strategic military position.
2. Maldev’s dream of a United Rajasthan:
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Maldev wanted to have a united Rajasthan under his control. A united Rajasthan could pose a challenge to Sher Shah.
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3. Maldev’s invitation to Humayun:
It is said that Maldev had invited Humayun to his place when he was running for safety. Sher Shah had asked Maldev to imprison Humayun and hand him over to Sher Shah. However, Maldev did not do so.
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4. Maidev’s policy to subdue Rajput rulers:
On account of the policy of Maldev to subdue Rajput rulers, several of them turned against him and sought Sher Shah’s help. This tempted Sher Shah to attack Maldev.
Invasions and events:
Sher Shah was fully aware of the strength of Maldev and therefore, he collected a vast army. The deposed Rajput ruler of Medate and a disgruntled Rajput Minister of Bikaner rendered all possible help to strengthen Sher Shah’s army. About the vast army Abbas has written, “He (Sher Shah) had such a vast army that it counted not be counted at all”.
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However, this statement seemed to be an exaggerated one. At the same time it must be admitted that Sher Shah had collected a large number. Still he was not sure of his victory against Maldev. He, therefore, resorted to a fraudulent course.
He managed to sow dissensions between Maldev and some of his prominent chiefs. He prepared some forged letters and dropped them near Maldev’s camp which led Maldev to suspect that a few of his chiefs had deserted to Sher Shah’s side. Maldev was deeply grieved and decided to retreat.
When some of the chiefs came to know about Maldev’s decision not to fight and that he considered them disloyal, they separated themselves from Maldev’s army. Still some of the chiefs with their armies fought very bravely. Several thousands of Afghans were killed in the battle-field.
Sher Shah was able to save his own life with great difficulty. Nevertheless he won and remarked, “I had nearly lost the empire of India for a handful of ‘bajra’. (Produce of Mewar)
Results of the conflict:
This victory proved very helpful to Sher Shah. At the same time Afghan’s control over Marwar was very short-lived. Within two months of the death of Sher Shah, Maldev came back from Siwana and drove away the Afghan governor and established his control over the territory.