Mahmud Khalji

Mahmud Khilji
Sultan
Mahmud Khilji's Tomb in Mandu

Mahmud Khilji (1436-69), also known as Mahmud Khalji, was a 15th-century sultan of the Malwa Sultanate, an Indian kingdom in what is now the state of Madhya Pradesh. Khilji crowned himself sultan after assassinating Mohammad, the son of the previous ruler, Hoshang Shah, in 1435. He mounted an unsuccessful campaign against the Delhi Sultanate and also suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Rana Kumbha of Mewar in 1440. However, it was under his reign that the Malwa Sultanate reached its greatest height.

During rule of Muhammad Shah II of Gujarat Sultanate, Mahmud Khilji invaded Gujarat. After capturing and saving Champaner, he continued his march upon Gujarát at the head of 80,000 horse. Soon Muhammad Shah II died and was succeeded by Kutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II. Mahmud Khilji had laid siege to Sultánpur. Malik Alá-ud-dín bin Sohráb, Kutb-ud-dín’s commander surrendered the fort, and was sent with honour to Málwa and appointed governor of Mandu. Mahmúd Khilji, marching to Sársa-Páldi, summoned Bharuch, then commanded by Sídi Marján on behalf of Gujarát Sultanate. The Sídi refused, and fearing delay, the Málwa Sultán after plundering Baroda (now Vadodara) proceeded to Nadiad, whose Bráhmans astonished him by their bravery in killing a mad elephant. Kutb-ud-dín Sháh now advancing met Sultán Mahmúd Khilji at Kapadvanj where, after a doubtful fight of some hours, Kutb-ud-dín Sháh defeated Sultán Mahmúd Khilji. Muzaffar Khán, who is said to have incited the Málwa Sultán Khilji to invade Gujarát, was captured and beheaded, and his head was hung up at the gate of Kapadvanj.

In the same year Sultán Mahmúd Khilji attempted to conquer Nagor then held by Fírúz Khán, a cousin of the Gujarat Sultán. Kutb-ud-dín Sháh despatched an army under the command of Sayad Atáulláh, and, as it drew near Sámbhar, the Málwa Sultán retired and shortly after Fírúz Khán died.