Medini Rai was a small warlord who grew in stature to become the most distinguished lieutenant of Rana Sanga.
Early 16th century India:
Delhi Sultanate was in its last stages and was continuously shrinking in size. The major powers in the Northern India other than Delhi Sultanate arranged according to their strength were:
- Rajput Confederation under Rana Sanga
- Gujarat Sultanate
- Malwa Sultanate
Malwa Sultanate was reeling under internal conflicts. Medini Rai and his relative Silhadi who were generals in the service of Malwa Sultanate had revolted against the Sultan. The ruler of Malwa, Mehmod Khilji sought assistance from both Sultan Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Therefore, Medini Rai, requested Sanga to come to his aid.
Accompanied by Rajput rebels Medini Rai and Silhadi, Sanga defeated the Malwa Sultanate and obtained the control of Malwa.
He then turned his attention towards north-eastern Rajasthan, which was then under the control of Ibrahim Lodi. Sanga was badly injured in the wars between the Rajputs and Lodi’s troops but he repeatedly defeated Lodi and was successful in capturing several major areas, including the fort of Ranthambore.
Lodi retaliated and invaded Mewar. Sanga’s forces proved to be too strong for Lodi’s ethnic Afghans. Lodi was defeated in the fierce battles of Khatoli and Dholpur in which the Rana lost his left arm and was crippled in one leg. In these battles which made Rana Sanga a principal player in North Indian politics, Medini Rai played an important role. Medini Rai was just a small warlord before the battle in Dholpur but he still contributed everything in his power for which he was rewarded by the Rana. Chanderi which was one of the most important places which fell into the hands of the Maharana was bestowed to Medini Rai who protected it till his death in Battle of Chanderi which was fought against Babur.
Medini Rai remained a loyal general of Rana Sanga who chose to die when he was given a chance to surrender to Babur!!
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