Sher Shah Suri

Sher Shah Suri (1486–1545 CE), originally named Farid Khan, was one of the most remarkable rulers of medieval India. He founded the Suri Dynasty and ruled over northern India from 1540 to 1545 CE, after defeating the Mughal emperor Humayun. Despite his short reign, Sher Shah is remembered as a brilliant administrator, military strategist, and reformer who laid the foundations of efficient governance later perfected by the Mughals.
He is often hailed as the “precursor of Akbar” because many of Akbar’s administrative policies were built upon Sher Shah’s reforms.

Early Life and Background

• Birth: 1486 CE at Sasaram in present-day Bihar.
• Original Name: Farid Khan.
• Father: Hasan Khan, an Afghan jagirdar (landholder) under the Lodis.
• He earned the title “Sher Khan” (Lion King) after killing a lion single-handedly during a hunting expedition.
• Sher Shah rose from a local jagirdar’s son to a powerful Afghan noble, displaying exceptional leadership and military ability.

Rise to Power

1. Early Career:
   • Served under Bahar Khan Lohani, the governor of Bihar under the Lodi rulers, and later took control of Bihar after Bahar Khan’s death.
2. Conflict with Bengal:
   • After consolidating power in Bihar, he turned his attention to Bengal and defeated its ruler, Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah, in 1538 CE.
3. Defeat of Humayun:
   • Sher Shah faced the Mughal Emperor Humayun in battle and emerged victorious in two decisive encounters:
     • Battle of Chausa (1539 CE): Near Buxar, Sher Shah defeated Humayun and adopted the royal title Sher Shah Suri.
     • Battle of Kannauj (1540 CE): Humayun was again defeated and forced to flee India.
4. Foundation of the Suri Dynasty:
   • After these victories, Sher Shah established the Suri Empire, with its capital at Delhi, marking a brief interruption in Mughal rule.

Territorial Extent

At the height of his power, Sher Shah’s empire stretched across:

• North India: From Punjab and Delhi to Bengal.
• Deccan: Extended up to Malwa.
• West: Controlled parts of Sindh and Multan.
• East: Included Bihar and Bengal.

This vast empire was efficiently administered through his visionary reforms.

Administrative Reforms

Sher Shah Suri was an extraordinary administrator, introducing several reforms that became models for future rulers, including the Mughals and the British.

1. Central Administration

• Sher Shah was a benevolent autocrat who concentrated power in his own hands but ensured justice and efficiency.
• His empire was divided into provinces (Sarkars), further subdivided into districts (Parganas) and villages.

Officials:

• Shiqdar: Maintained law and order.
• Amin: Collected revenue.
• Munsif: Acted as judge in local disputes.

Each level of administration was closely supervised, and corruption was severely punished.

2. Land Revenue System

• Sher Shah introduced a scientific land revenue system, later refined by Akbar’s minister Raja Todar Mal.
• Land was measured using a standard scale (Sikandari gaz), and assessment was based on fertility and average produce.
• Farmers were required to pay one-third of the produce as tax, payable in cash or kind.
• Introduced patta (ownership deed) and qabuliat (agreement) between the peasant and the state to record the land’s details and revenue obligations.
• Revenue officials were instructed to treat peasants fairly, ensuring agricultural prosperity.

3. Military Reforms

• Maintained a strong standing army directly under the Sultan’s control.
• Introduced a system of branding horses (dagh) and descriptive rolls of soldiers (chehra) to prevent corruption and maintain discipline — later adopted by Akbar.
• Soldiers were paid in cash from the royal treasury.
• Forts were built and garrisons maintained across the empire for defence and internal security.

4. Judicial System

• Sher Shah ensured impartial and speedy justice.
• Civil and criminal courts were established at various levels.
• Justice was administered based on Islamic law (Sharia), but non-Muslims were treated fairly and allowed to follow their own laws in personal matters.

5. Public Works and Infrastructure

Sher Shah Suri is particularly remembered for his public works and development projects.

1. Roads and Communication:
   • Constructed a network of roads connecting different parts of the empire.
   • The most famous was the Grand Trunk Road (Sadak-e-Azam), stretching from Sonargaon (in Bengal) to Peshawar (in the northwest) — about 4,800 km long.
   • Other important routes included:
     • Agra to Burhanpur.
     • Lahore to Multan.
   • Built caravanserais (inns) every few miles for travellers and traders.
2. Postal System:
   • Established a dak (postal) system with horse couriers and relay stations for quick communication.
3. Urban Development:
   • Beautified Delhi and built the city of Shergarh (Delhi).
   • Founded Dinpanah and strengthened the fortifications of various cities.
4. Architecture:
   • Sher Shah’s architecture combined Afghan simplicity with Indian artistry.
   • His most famous monument is the Sher Shah Suri Mausoleum at Sasaram (Bihar) — a magnificent sandstone structure surrounded by a lake.
   • Other notable constructions include parts of the Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi.

6. Economic and Currency Reforms

• Introduced a uniform and stable currency system:
  • Silver coin: Rupiya (the origin of the modern rupee), weighing 178 grains.
  • Copper coin: Dam.
  • Gold coin: Mohur.
• These coins became the basis of the Indian monetary system for centuries.
• Promoted trade by improving security and standardising weights and measures.
• Abolished unnecessary taxes and encouraged markets and artisans.

7. Religious Policy

• Sher Shah was a devout Muslim but followed a policy of tolerance and religious harmony.
• Gave equal protection to Hindus and Muslims.
• Appointed capable non-Muslims to high administrative posts.
• Ensured that justice and merit, not religion, determined appointments and promotions.

Relations with the Mughals

Sher Shah’s rise came at the expense of the Mughals.

• His defeat of Humayun at Chausa and Kannauj forced the Mughal emperor to flee to Persia.
• Sher Shah effectively ruled all of north India for five years until his death.
• His administrative and military framework remained so effective that when Akbar reconquered India, he retained much of Sher Shah’s system.

Death

• Sher Shah died in 1545 CE during the Siege of Kalinjar (Bundelkhand) when a gunpowder explosion occurred in his camp.
• He was succeeded by his son Islam Shah Suri, but the Suri dynasty declined rapidly after his death, enabling the restoration of Mughal rule by Humayun in 1555 CE.

Legacy and Significance

1. Administrative Reformer:
   • Created a blueprint for efficient governance, later refined by Akbar.
2. Economic Stability:
   • His introduction of the Rupiya and regulated trade brought economic uniformity to the empire.
3. Public Welfare:
   • Built extensive roads, rest houses, and postal services, improving trade and communication.
4. Model for Future Rulers:
   • Akbar and subsequent Mughals adopted many of his systems, including revenue administration and military organisation.
5. Architectural Achievements:
   • His tomb at Sasaram remains one of the finest examples of Indo-Afghan architecture.
6. Symbol of Meritocracy:
   • Rose from humble beginnings through talent, discipline, and statesmanship — embodying merit-based leadership.