Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545) was one of India’s greatest rulers, known for his administrative, military, and economic reforms. He defeated Humayun and ruled North India for five years. He laid the foundation for effective governance that influenced the Mughals and British.
1. Early Life & Rise to Power
- Born as Farid Khan in Sasaram, Bihar.
- Worked under Afghan rulers of Bihar & Bengal.
- Defeated Humayun in the Battle of Chausa (1539) and Battle of Kannauj (1540).
- Established the Sur Empire (1540–1555) after driving Humayun into exile.
2. Military Achievements
✔ Defeated the Mughals and expanded his empire across North India, Punjab, Sindh, Rajasthan, and Bengal.
✔ Established a strong army and improved cavalry.
✔ Built forts & roads for better communication and defense.
3. Administrative & Revenue Reforms
(A) Central Administration
✔ Divided the empire into Sarkars (provinces), Parganas (districts), and villages.
✔ Appointed efficient officers for governance.
(B) Land Revenue System
✔ Introduced scientific land measurement (Zabt system).
✔ Fixed land tax at one-third of the produce.
✔ Farmers could pay tax in cash or kind.
(C) Justice System
✔ Known for strict justice (“Sher Shah’s justice was severe but fair”).
✔ Built courts & appointed Qazis (judges).
✔ Implemented speedy trial system.
4. Economic & Trade Policies
✔ Introduced the silver Rupiya, which later influenced the Mughal and British Rupee.
✔ Standardized weights and measures.
✔ Encouraged agriculture and trade by improving irrigation & market regulations.
✔ Reduced corruption and middlemen in revenue collection.
5. Public Welfare & Infrastructure
✔ Built Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) from Bengal to Punjab, connecting India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
✔ Constructed rest houses (Sarais) for travelers and traders.
✔ Dug wells and planted trees along roads for shade.
✔ Established postal services for fast communication.
6. Architecture & Monuments
✔ Built Purana Qila (Delhi) and Rohtas Fort (Pakistan).
✔ His tomb in Sasaram (Bihar) is an example of Afghan architecture.
✔ Developed forts, bridges, and mosques.
7. Decline & Death
✔ Died in 1545 due to an accidental explosion in the siege of Kalinjar Fort (Bundelkhand).
✔ Succeeded by weak rulers, leading to the downfall of the Sur Empire.
✔ Humayun regained power in 1555 after defeating Sher Shah’s successor.
8. Legacy of Sher Shah Suri
✔ Set up an efficient administration that inspired Akbar’s governance.
✔ Introduced Rupee, Grand Trunk Road, and Sarais, which lasted for centuries.
✔ Known as “the forerunner of Akbar” for his policies.
9. MCQs on Sher Shah Suri
- Who was the founder of the Sur Empire?
- (a) Humayun
- (b) Babur
- (c) Sher Shah Suri
- (d) Ibrahim Lodi
- Answer: (c) Sher Shah Suri
- Which battle led to Sher Shah Suri’s victory over Humayun in 1540?
- (a) Battle of Panipat
- (b) Battle of Ghaghra
- (c) Battle of Kannauj
- (d) Battle of Chanderi
- Answer: (c) Battle of Kannauj
- Sher Shah Suri introduced which currency that influenced future rulers?
- (a) Mohur
- (b) Dinar
- (c) Rupiya
- (d) Takka
- Answer: (c) Rupiya
- Which road was built by Sher Shah Suri and is still in use today?
- (a) NH-1
- (b) Grand Trunk Road
- (c) Silk Road
- (d) Mumbai-Pune Highway
- Answer: (b) Grand Trunk Road
- Where is Sher Shah Suri’s tomb located?
- (a) Delhi
- (b) Agra
- (c) Sasaram
- (d) Lahore
- Answer: (c) Sasaram
10. Subjective Questions on Sher Shah Suri
- Discuss Sher Shah Suri’s role in Indian history and his contributions.
- Explain the revenue and administrative reforms of Sher Shah Suri.
- How did Sher Shah Suri improve trade, transport, and communication in India?
- Describe the significance of the Grand Trunk Road built by Sher Shah Suri.
- Compare the administration of Sher Shah Suri and Akbar.
- Discuss the justice system under Sher Shah Suri and its impact.
- What were the reasons for the decline of the Sur Empire after Sher Shah Suri’s death?
- Explain Sher Shah Suri’s economic policies and their long-term impact.
Sher Shah Suri’s rule was short but highly impactful, influencing the Mughals, British, and modern governance. This topic is important for UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams. Let me know if you need maps, mind maps, or a timeline! 🚀
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