Sher Shah Suri, originally known as Farid Khan, was a prominent ruler in medieval India. He founded the Sur Dynasty, which was the third Afghan dynasty to rule over the Delhi Sultanate.



Before Sher Shah's rise to power, the Delhi Sultanate was under the rule of the Lodi Dynasty. The last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty was Ibrahim Lodi, who faced a major challenge from Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. In the first Battle of Panipat in 1526, Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed by Babur, leading to the end of the Lodi Dynasty.



After Babur's victory, he established the Mughal Empire in India. However, Sher Shah Suri, who was a capable military commander, managed to capture considerable territories from the Mughals. In 1540, Sher Shah defeated the Mughal emperor Humayun in the Battle of Kannauj and declared himself the ruler of Delhi.

With this victory, Sher Shah founded the Sur Dynasty and became the first Sur emperor. He adopted the title "Sher Shah" after his victory, which means "Lion King" in Persian. Under his rule, the Sur Dynasty became a significant power in northern India.



Sher Shah Suri is known for his administrative reforms and infrastructure development. Some of his notable contributions include:

1. Administrative Reforms:
- He introduced an efficient administration system that included a strong central government and provincial rule.
- Sher Shah divided the empire into Sarkars (districts) and further into Parganas (sub-districts) for better governance.
- He established a network of spies to ensure law and order and prevent corruption.

2. Land Revenue System:
- Sher Shah implemented a new land revenue system based on measurement and assessment of land, known as the "Dahsala."
- This system aimed to strike a balance between the demands of the state and the capacity of the peasants.

3. Road and Infrastructure Development:
- Sher Shah is credited with the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, a vast network of roads connecting various parts of the empire.
- He also built numerous sarais (rest houses) and wells along the roads for the convenience of travelers.

4. Currency and Coinage:
- Sher Shah introduced the silver Rupiya as the currency of the empire, which continued to be used in India for centuries.
- He also standardized the weight and purity of coins to ensure their uniformity.

5. Architecture:
- Sher Shah Suri is known for his architectural patronage. He constructed several notable buildings, including the Rohtas Fort in present-day Pakistan.



Sher Shah's reign marked a significant period in Indian history. Despite ruling for a relatively short time, his administrative reforms and infrastructure development had a lasting impact. The Sur Dynasty, founded by Sher Shah, played a crucial role in the political landscape of medieval India.