Sher Shah Suri and Sur Dynasty | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Introduction

Sher Shah Suri (1486 – May 22, 1545), originally named Farīd Khān, established the Suri Empire in India, with its capital located in Sasaram, present-day Bihar. He is credited with introducing the rupee as a currency. In 1540, Sher Shah Sur seized control of the Mughal Empire. His administrative reforms and reorganization of the empire significantly influenced later Mughal rulers, especially Akbar, the son of Humayun.

Sher Shah’s Administration

• Sher Shah established the Sur Dynasty.
• His birth name was Farid.
• He was the son of Hasan Khan, a jagirdar in Sasaram, Bihar.
• He earned the title Sher Khan for his bravery during the Afghan Rule in Bihar.

Sher Shah Sur (1486-1545)

• Sher Shah Sur conquered Bundelkhand, Malwa, Multan, Punjab, and Sind.
• His empire spanned all of North India except Assam, Gujarat, Kashmir, and Nepal.
• Despite his rule lasting only 5 years, he established an excellent administrative system.
• The king was supported by four key ministers:
  • Diwan-i-Wizarat or Wazir – responsible for Revenue and Finance
  • Diwan-i-Ariz – responsible for the Army
  • Diwan-i-Rasalat – Foreign Minister
  • Diwan-i-Insha – Minister for Communications
• Sher Shah’s empire was divided into forty-seven Sarkars.
• Each sarkar was further divided into multiple Parganas, managed by various officers:
  • Shiqdar – Military Officer
  • Amin – Land Revenue Officer
  • Fotedar – Treasurer
  • Karkuns – Accountants
• Iqtas were various administrative units.
• Under Sher Shah, the land revenue administration was efficiently organized.
• Land surveys were sensibly conducted.
• All cultivable lands were classified into three categories: good, middle, and bad.
• The state’s share was one-third of the average production, payable in cash or crops.
• Sher Shah introduced new copper coins called “Dam,” which is believed to be a possible origin of the English phrase “I don’t give a dam(n)” due to its low value.
• The police were effectively reorganized, resulting in reduced crime during his reign.
• Sher Shah borrowed several ideas, such as the branding of horses, from Alauddin Khalji.
• He also developed communications by constructing four major highways:
  • Sonargaon to Sind
  • Agra to Berhampur
  • Jodhpur to Chittor
  • Lahore to Multan

Estimate of Sher Shah

• Sher Shah was a devout Muslim and generally tolerant of other religions.
• He appointed Hindus to significant positions.
• The Purana Qila and its mosque were constructed during his reign.
• He built a Mausoleum at Sasaram, considered a masterpiece of Indian architecture.
• The renowned Hindi work Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi was written during his rule.
• Sher Shah died in 1545, and his successors ruled until 1555, when Humayun reconquered India.