In the Battle of Sammel (Giri-Sumel), fought in 1544, Sher Shah Suri defeated the army of which Rajput ruler?

In the Battle of Sammel (also called the Battle of Giri-Sumel), fought in January 1544 near Jaitaran (in present-day Rajasthan), Sher Shah Suri defeated the army of Rao Maldeo Rathore, the ruler of Marwar (Jodhpur).

Background:

• Maldeo Rathore (ruled 1532-1562) was one of the most powerful Rajput rulers of his time, and had expanded his kingdom greatly.
• Sher Shah, after defeating Humayun, wanted to bring Rajasthan under his control.
• Maldeo had also offered help to the exiled Humayun, which made Sher Shah suspicious.

The battle:

• Sher Shah marched against Marwar with a large army.
• The two armies faced each other for about a month, and Sher Shah found it difficult to attack the strong Rajput army.
• According to tradition, Sher Shah used a trick: he had forged letters dropped near Maldeo's camp, which suggested that some of Maldeo's commanders had secretly joined Sher Shah.
• Maldeo became suspicious and withdrew with part of his army.
• However, his loyal commanders, Jaita and Kumpa, refused to retreat, and attacked Sher Shah's army with a small force of Rajputs.
• They fought with great courage and were killed, but they nearly defeated Sher Shah's army.

Sher Shah's famous remark:

After the battle, Sher Shah is said to have remarked that he had nearly lost the empire of Hindustan for a handful of millet (bajra), referring to the poor, dry land of Marwar.

Results:

• Sher Shah occupied Jodhpur and much of Marwar.
• Maldeo later recovered his territory after Sher Shah's death (1545).

Significance:

It showed the bravery of the Rajputs and the strategic skill of Sher Shah.

About Sher Shah:

• He ruled from 1540 to 1545.
• He died at Kalinjar in 1545.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Rana Sanga fought Babur.
• ✗Raja Man Singh served Akbar.
• ✗Rao Surjan of Bundi submitted to Akbar.