selected

The selected() method accepts two types of parameters.
1. An optional Boolean value, specifying whether the item identified should be selected or not.
2. A variable list of numeric values (zero-based indexes), specifying the menu level. For example, an argument list of (true, 3, 2) specifies that the fourth element from the first menu and the 3rd from the secondary sub menu should be selected.
If the first element is omitted, then the state of the specified index (selected or not) is returned.

<ul id="menu1">
    <li>Open</li>
	<li>Save</li>
	<li>Exit</li>
</ul>

<script type="text/javascript">

    $(function () {
        $("#menu1").shieldMenu({
             width: "100px"
        });
    
        var menu = $("#menu1").swidget();

        //select Save option of the Menu widget
        menu.selected(true, 1);

        //Save option is selected
        alert(menu.selected(1));
     });

</script>