structural:expansion
Conquest and consolidation of Malwa (1542)

In 1542, Sher Shah embarked on a campaign to Malwa due to fears that Malwa might ally with the Mughals against him. Sher Shah also faced the external threat of Humayun, who was attempting to establish a kingdom in Gujarat. As a result, the Afghan armies first marched on Gwalior, led by Shujaat Khan, subjugating it under Afghan rule. This attack eliminated the threat of being flanked as they advanced further into the Malwa Sultanate. After securing the submission of Abul Qasim Beg, the Mughal wali of Gwalior, the Afghans continued their march to Sarangpur. Qadir Khan, the ruler of the Malwa Sultanate, being abandoned by his vassals who refused to support him, begged for the mercy of Sher Shah, who treated him well.

Despite former grudges, Sher Shah reconciled with Qadir Khan, and even gave Qadir Khan a jagir in Bengal. However, Qadir Khan was discontent with the offer and fled to Gujarat. An attempt to recapture him, led by Shujaat Khan, ended in failure. Sher Shah consolidated his new territories before returning to Agra, receiving submission from the ruler of Ranthambore. Shujaat Khan was appointed as the new governor of Malwa.

Qadir Khan attempted to reclaim his lost territories and engaged in battles against Shujaat Khan on multiple occasions. Despite being outnumbered, Shujaat Khan decisively defeated Qadir Khan's coalition. For his valiant efforts, Shujaat Khan was awarded over 12,000 horses.