Sher Shah Suri ] شیر شاھ سوری

Sher Shah Suri ] شیر شاھ سوری

Sher Shah Suri:
Sher Shah Suri’s real name was Farid Khan. He was born between 1472 and 1486 in Sasaram, Bihar. He belonged to the Sur tribe of Afghan descent. His father, Hasan Khan Sur, was a jagirdar (landholder) who had been granted lands in Bihar during the reign of Sikandar Lodi. Farid Khan received his early education in Jaunpur, where he excelled in history, religion, and administrative sciences.

Farid Khan initially managed his father’s estates and quickly gained popularity among the people due to his talent and leadership skills. However, family disputes, especially with his stepbrothers, forced him to leave. He later entered the service of the governor of Bihar, Bahar Khan Lodi. In 1527, when Babur invaded India, Farid Khan provided crucial intelligence to the Mughals and, in return, was awarded a jagir.

Once, Farid Khan bravely killed a tiger with his own hands, a feat that earned him the title "Sher Khan" (Lion Lord)—a symbol of his courage and valor.

Sher Khan defeated Sultan Mahmud Shah of Bengal and captured the famous fort of Gaur. Sultan Mahmud sought help from the Mughal emperor Humayun, but at that time Humayun was busy fighting Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Taking full advantage of the situation, Sher Khan captured both Bengal and the strategic Rohtas Fort.

In 1539, at the Battle of Chausa, Sher Khan inflicted a crushing defeat on Humayun. The Mughal emperor had to jump into the River Ganges on horseback to save his life. He was rescued by a water-carrier named Nizam, whom Humayun later honored by seating him on the throne for two days in Agra.

In 1540, Sher Khan defeated Humayun again at the Battle of Kannauj, forcing the Mughal emperor to flee and leave behind the throne of Delhi. Sher Shah then ascended the throne and took the official title Sher Shah Suri.

Despite ruling for only five years, Sher Shah Suri introduced many revolutionary administrative reforms:

Land Revenue System: He ordered the accurate measurement of land and established a fair revenue collection system.

Monetary System: He introduced the silver coin called "Rupiya", which became the basis of the modern Indian currency system.

Road Infrastructure: He constructed the Grand Trunk Road, which stretched from Bengal to Kabul.

Travel Facilities: He built rest houses (sarais) and wells every two kos (about 4 miles) for travelers.

Postal System: He established a fast and efficient postal system, ensuring rapid communication across the empire.

Sher Shah Suri also reorganized his military:

Army Organization: Each soldier was properly registered, and regular salaries were introduced.

Fortresses: He constructed several forts for defense, among which Rohtas Fort remains an architectural marvel.

Though Sher Shah was a devout Sunni Muslim, he showed great tolerance towards other religions and sects. Hindus were granted waqf lands to promote education, and they were recruited into government departments. His rule was based on justice and equality, regardless of religion.

His central government had the following departments:

Diwan-i-Wizarat (Finance Department)

Diwan-i-Ariz (Military Department)

Diwan-i-Risalat or Diwan-i-Muhtasib (Department of Religious and Judicial Affairs)

Diwan-i-Insha (Records and Correspondence)

The empire was divided as follows:

Subah (Province)

Sarkar (District)

Pargana (Sub-District)

Village

The main source of income for the state was land revenue, and Sher Shah ensured transparency and fairness in its collection.

In 1545, during an attack on the fort of Kalinjar, a gunpowder explosion severely injured Sher Shah. He succumbed to his injuries. His son Jalal Khan succeeded him under the title Islam Shah Suri, but he could not maintain his father’s legacy for long. Eventually, the Mughals regained control of India.

Sher Shah Suri’s Legacy
Sher Shah Suri’s reign was brief, but his impact on Indian history was profound. His reforms in finance, administration, transportation, and communication laid the foundation for Mughal governance. His roads, postal system, and coinage were adopted and expanded by future rulers.

He was not just a capable general but also a wise administrator who governed with justice and compassion. His rule symbolized a balance of strength, wisdom, and humanity.

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