Sher Shah Suri: After defeating the second Mughal emperor Humayun in 1540, Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan, established the Suri dynasty and assumed control of the Mughal Empire. He made a major contribution to the Suri dynasty and established the calculated revenue system’s long-term bureaucracy. He established an orderly interaction between the populace and the governing monarch. To enlarge his sultanate and include Gwalior and Malwa, Sher Shah Suri conquered Delhi.
In this article, we will look into his time of reign and contributions in detail.
Let’s explore.
Sher Shah Suri(1540-55)
Table of Content
Sher Shah Suri Overview
Sher Shah Suri, born Farid Khan, was a prominent ruler of the Suri Empire in the Indian subcontinent. He is best known for his administrative genius, military skills, and for laying the foundations of what would become the administrative framework of the later Mughal Empire. Below is an overview table summarizing key aspects of his life and reign:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Reign | 1540–1545 AD |
| Predecessor | Humayun (as Emperor of the Mughal Empire) |
| Successor | Islam Shah Suri |
| Born | 1486 AD |
| Died | 22 May 1545 AD |
| Place of Birth | Sasaram, Bihar, India |
| Major Contributions | – Introduced the Rupiya (silver currency) |
| – Developed the Grand Trunk Road from Bengal to Peshawar | |
| – Implemented a new system of administration | |
| – Reorganized the postal system of the empire | |
| Military Achievements | – Defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and established the Suri Dynasty |
| – Conducted several successful military campaigns expanding his empire | |
| Legacy | Known for his administrative reforms, military innovations, and contributions to infrastructure |
Sher Shah Suri’s short reign left a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent, particularly in terms of administration and infrastructure development. His contributions are considered foundational to the efficient governance systems later adopted and expanded by the Mughal Empire.
Sher Shah Suri Administration
Sher Shah Suri’s administration was marked by significant reforms and innovations that had a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent, laying the groundwork for future governance structures, including those of the Mughal Empire. Here is an overview of some key aspects of his administration:
Revenue System
- Land Revenue Reforms: Sher Shah Suri introduced a more systematic approach to land measurement and revenue collection, ensuring fairness and efficiency. He classified land based on fertility and fixed rates accordingly.
- Raga: He implemented a system where revenue was fixed as a cash payment, aiming to standardize and stabilize the revenue system.
Currency and Trade
- Introduction of the Rupiya: He introduced the silver coin known as “Rupiya,” which later evolved into the modern rupee, standardizing the currency system and facilitating trade.
- Trade Routes and Sarais: Sher Shah developed and secured trade routes, notably the Grand Trunk Road, and built caravanserais (inns) along these routes to promote trade and ensure the safety of traders.
Military and Security
- Military Organization: He reorganized the military, introducing a more disciplined and efficient structure, which included a standing army paid directly by the state.
- Fortifications: To ensure the security of his empire, Sher Shah fortified his territory by building and renovating forts at strategic locations.
Legal and Judicial Reforms
- Law and Order: He established a strong law and order mechanism by enforcing a strict code of justice, which reduced crime and ensured the safety of his subjects.
- Civil Administration: Sher Shah’s administration was characterized by a clear division of authority and responsibility, streamlining governance and improving efficiency.
Infrastructure Development
- Roads: His most notable contribution to infrastructure was the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, which connected various parts of his empire, facilitating communication, trade, and military movement.
- Postal System: He reorganized the postal system of the empire, making it more efficient and reliable for administrative communication.
Welfare Measures
- Agricultural Development: Sher Shah took measures to improve agricultural productivity by providing loans and incentives to farmers.
- Public Works: He invested in public works, including the construction of new wells, restoration of old water systems, and the establishment of public gardens and baths, improving the quality of life for his subjects.
Sher Shah Suri’s administrative reforms were pragmatic and focused on the welfare of his subjects, the efficiency of the administration, and the strength of his empire. His policies and innovations left a lasting legacy, influencing subsequent rulers and shaping the administrative landscape of the Indian subcontinent for centuries.
Sher Shah Suri Reforms
Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire in India, ruled from 1540 to 1545 AD. Despite his short reign, he implemented a series of significant reforms that had a lasting impact on the administrative system of India. Some of his key reforms include:
1. Revenue Reforms
- Land Measurement: Sher Shah Suri introduced a system for measuring land for the purpose of revenue collection, which was based on the “bigha.” He categorized the land into three types – good, middle, and bad – for assessing the land revenue.
- Fixed Revenue Rates: Instead of fluctuating demands, he fixed revenue rates, making it easier for peasants to understand their tax liabilities.
- Cash Payments: Encouraged the payment of revenue in cash instead of kind, which standardized the revenue system and boosted the monetary economy.
2. Currency Reforms
- Introduced the “Rupiya,” a silver coin that became the standard currency and facilitated trade throughout his empire and beyond. This currency system was later adopted by the Mughal Empire and continued by the British East India Company.
3. Military Reforms
- Standing Army: Established a strong standing army to maintain peace and order.
- Cavalry and Infantry: Organized the army into various divisions, such as cavalry and infantry, and paid them in cash.
- Fortifications: Strengthened the defense of his empire by building and renovating forts across his territories.
4. Administrative Reforms
- Divided his empire into provinces, districts, and parganas, each with its own set of administrative officials, which improved governance.
- Officials were paid salaries from the state treasury to minimize corruption and ensure loyalty.
5. Law and Order
- Implemented a strict penal code to ensure public security.
- Established a network of spies and informants to maintain law and order.
6. Public Works
- Roads: Built the Grand Trunk Road, one of Asia’s oldest and longest major roads, which connected the eastern and western regions of his empire. This facilitated trade and communication.
- Rest Houses and Caravanserais: Constructed rest houses and caravanserais along major trade routes for travelers and merchants.
- Postal System: Improved the postal system of the empire, making communication more efficient for administrative purposes.
7. Welfare Measures
- Took measures to provide relief to peasants during famines and droughts by remitting taxes and providing grain from royal granaries.
Sher Shah Suri’s reforms had a profound impact on the administration of India, many aspects of which were later adopted and further developed by the Mughal Empire. His legacy is evident in the continued use of some of his introduced systems and structures in India and the region.
Sher Shah Suri – Death and Legacy
- According to some experts, he was mortally injured during the siege by a gunpowder explosion caused by one of his cannons exploding.
- According to a another expert, Sher Shah himself participated in the combat when the Afghan army was ready to attack the walls. After descending from a rampart, he gave the command for his men to throw bombs into the fort. A huge explosion resulted when one of these bombs struck a stash of bombs after reflecting backwards. Sher Shah was found partially burned, while a few others had only minor injuries and managed to flee. After being brought to his tent, Sher Shah spent two days there. He gave the order for his men to storm the fort despite his serious condition, and he himself advanced near the fort with his forces.
- At the age of 73 or 59, Sher Shah passed away on May 22, 1545, due to his wounds.
- Jalal Khan, his son, succeeded him and adopted the name Islam Shah Suri. The 122-foot-tall Sher Shah Suri Tomb, which is located in the center of an artificial lake in Sasaram, a town on the Grand Trunk Road, is where Sher Shah is buried.
Sher Shah Suri’s Contribution to the Society
- Sher Shah created the tri-metalism system that would come to define Mughal coinage. During his reign, the term “rūpee” became associated with a silver coin that had a standard weight of 178 grains, akin to the current rupee, although the term “rūpya” had previously been used to refer to any type of coin.
- Villages had their own assemblies, known as panchayats, and were frequently independent. During his rule, Sher Shah respected this. The village elders, who attended to the needs of the people and prescribed their own penalties in accordance with the customs of the community, made up each assembly. A village’s chief would serve as a sort of intermediary between the communities and the federal authority. Additionally, Sher Shah rewarded Afghans who could speak Pashto in his army with better salaries, viewing it as a show of friendship.
- Sher Shah constructed a number of monuments, such as the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque inside the Purana Qila complex in Delhi, the Sher Mandal, an octagonal building inside the Purana Qila complex that later served as Humayun’s library, the Rohtas Fort (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pakistan), and numerous structures inside the Rohtasgarh Fort in Bihar. In 1545, he established the modern-day Pakistani city of Bhera, which included a large mosque bearing his name
- Because of its grandeur and majesty, the mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri is regarded as one of India’s most beautiful monuments. Cunningham was even leaning toward favoring it above the Taj Mahal.Sher Shah Suri eliminated levies imposed on province borders as one of his many reforms during the conquest of the empire.
- Sher Shah Suri was well known for his ability to administer justice. Qadis presided over courts, while Sher Shah also observed civil trials.
Conclusion
We can therefore conclude that the era of Sher Shah Suri has had a good influence and has left a significant mark on Indian history. In addition to his notable contributions to Bengali history, he is also well-regarded for his administrative abilities. He was the pioneer in introducing the tanka system, which had a beneficial effect on the Indian economy.
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FAQs on Sher Shah Suri
What was Sher Shah Suri famous for?
Born Farīd Khān, Sher Shah Suri (1486–22 May 1545) established the Suri Empire in India, which had Sasaram, the modern-day Bihar state, as its capital. He instituted the rupee as a kind of money. In 1540, Sher Shah of Sur assumed leadership of the Mughal Empire.
How did Sher Shah Suri died?
Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Empire in India, died in 1545. His death occurred during the siege of Kalinjar Fort, a stronghold of the Chandel Rajputs in what is now Madhya Pradesh, India. According to historical accounts, Sher Shah Suri was fatally injured by a gunpowder explosion during the siege. It is said that he was in the process of inspecting the storage of gunpowder when an accidental explosion occurred, leading to severe injuries that resulted in his death. His death marked the end of his ambitious projects and reforms, although his legacy, particularly in terms of administrative reforms and the development of infrastructure such as the Grand Trunk Road, lived on. Sher Shah Suri was succeeded by his son, Islam Shah Suri.
Who defeated Sher Shah Suri?
Humayun : Sher Shah Suri and Humayun engaged in the Battle of Chausa (1539), in which Sher Shah Suri lost.
Was Sher Shah Suri a Afghan?
Sher Shah was born in Sasaram. There is disagreement over Sher Shah’s exact birth year; some sources place his birth in 1472, while others place it in 1486. Being a member of the Sur clan, which belonged to the Kakar tribe, he was of Pashtun Afghan descent.
Who became king after Sher Shah Suri?
At the age of 73 or 59, Shah passed away on May 22, 1545, due to his wounds. Jalal Khan, his son, succeeded him and adopted the name Islam Shah Suri.
Was Sher Shah Suri good king?
Sher Shah demonstrated his abilities as a general and as a smart strategist. He was also a great administrator. His tactics and empire-wide restructuring established the groundwork for the succeeding Mughal kings, most notably Akbar. He perished in the Kalinjar fort siege in May of 1545.
Was Sher Shah Suri anti Hindu?
Sher Shah continued to be a devout Muslim who was generally accepting of other faiths. Hindus were also engaged by him in prominent positions. During his reign, the Purana Qila fort and its mosque were constructed. In Sasaram, he also constructed a mausoleum that is regarded as one of the greatest monuments of Indian architecture.