Raja Sukhdeo

Who is Raja Sukhdeo?

Raja Sukhdev was ruler of Sravasti a small northern kingdom of India in early 11th century. He is known by many names like Suhaldev, Sakardev, Suhirdadhwaj, Rai Suhrid Dev, Suhridil, Susaj, Shahardev, Sahardev, Suhahldev, Suhildev Suhal dhar, sohil dal, sohil deo, sudri dal and Suheldeo.

He was the eldest son of the Raja Mordhwaj. His origin is variously reported. He is said to have been a Tharu, a Bhar, a Kalhans or a Bais Rajputs. He also had a fort at Asokpur.

During invasion by father-son duo Sahu Bin Ataullah and Saiyyad Salar Masud in 1031–1033, the rulers of upper region of Ghaghara River and adjoining parts were much disturbed to find a foreigner in their country, soon they formed a local confederacy.

Raja Sukhdev headed this confederacy of local kings namely Rai Raib, Rai Saib, Rai Arjun, Rai Bheekhan, Rai Kanak, Rai Kalyan, Rai Makaru, Rai Savaru, Rai aran, Rai Birbal, Rai Jaypal, Rai Shreepal, Rai Harpal, Rai Hakru, Rai Prabhu, Rai Deo Narayan and Rai Narsinha.

In June 1033, as per tradition, Salar Masood was intimated by Rajput confederation that the land belonged to Rajputs and Hindus and Masood should evacuate these lands. Masood replied that all land belongs to Allah and hence he would not retreat.