Sher Shah Suri: Architect of Afghan Empire and Administrative Reforms

Introduction

Sher Shah Suri (1540-1555 AD), born Farid, rose from humble beginnings to establish the second Afghan Empire in India. Renowned for his military prowess and administrative reforms, he conquered vast territories and implemented a highly centralised governance system.

Sher Shah Suri: Architect of the Afghan Empire in India

1. Rise and Conquests

• • Origins: Farid, also known as Sher Khan, was the son of Hasan Khan (Jagirdar) in the Jaunpur kingdom during Lodi rule. He received the title of Sher Khan after killing a tiger.

• Conquests: In 1540, he defeated Humayun, marking the establishment of the second Afghan Empire in India.

• • The Conquest of Sher Shah includes Malwa and Ranthambore in 1542, Raisen (near Bhopal) in 1543, Chittor in 1544, and Kalinjar(Banda dist., UP) in 1545.
• Tragic Death: While besieging the Kalinjar fort in Bundelkhand in 1545, Sher Shah died in an accidental gunpowder blast.
• Successors: Islam Shah(1545-53) and Adil Shah Suri (1555) are considered the last rulers of this dynasty.

2. Administration: 

• • He set up a highly centralised government. 
  • Key ministers included:
    • Diwan-i-Wizarat (Wazir) in charge of Revenue and Finance,
    • Diwan-i-Ariz overseeing the Army, 
    • Diwan-i-Risalat as the Foreign Minister, and 
    • Diwan-i-Insha handled communications.
  • Division of Empire: Sher Shah divided his empire into Sarkars
    • Each is governed by a Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and a Chief Munsif (judge).
    • Each sarkar was further subdivided into several Parganas,
    • Each is administered by a Shiqdar (military officer), Amin (land revenue officer), Fotedar (treasurer), and Karkuns (accountants).
  • Village (Mauza): was the basic revenue unit, with hereditary chiefs collecting taxes and serving as intermediaries between the state and peasants. 
  • Amin: was responsible for the construction and repair of embankments and protecting cultivable land. 
  • Other Officers: include Khazandar (Treasurer), Munsif-i-khazana (Treasury Inspector), and Qanungo (maintaining revenue records).
  • Flexible Revenue System: Instituted a crop-rate (Rai) system in India, calculating state demand as one-third of the average yield per bigha, taking into account soil qualities. 
    • This amount could be paid in cash, using current market rates.
  • Land Tenure System: Peasants were provided Patta (the area sown, the type of crops cultivated, and the amount each peasant had to pay were written down on a paper) and Qabuliyat (Agreement deed).

• Trade: Streamlined trade imposts and collected taxes only at points of entry and sale;

• • • Standardization of Weights and Measures: Standardised the metal content in gold, silver, and copper coins;
      • Created a system of uniform weights & measures to facilitate trade
    • Introduction of the Rupiya: He issued a silver coin, which was termed Rupiya weighing 178 grains.

• Army: Divided into three segments i.e. the Sawaras, the Elephants, and the Footman.

• • Personal Force: known as Royal Khalsa Khail
  • Revived the system of Dagh and Chehra.

3. Architecture

• Restoration of Grand Trunk Road: Restored Grand Trunk Road – (Uttarapatha of ancient times)
  • Tamralipti in Bengal to Purushpur in Peshawar
• Establishment of Sarais: Built Sarais (rest houses) on the trade routes.
• Construction of Purana Qila: Construction of a new walled city in Delhi, known as Purana Qila (Old Fort), and Built his own mausoleum in Sasaram.
• Unbiased Justice: An orthodox Sunni, he is reputed for dispensing unbiased justice, even penalising oppressive nobles or relatives.
• Charitable Contributions: Charity on a large scale, granting stipends to the destitute.
• Implementation of Jaziya Tax: Imposed Jaziya on the Hindus.

Conclusion

Sher Shah Suri’s reign left an indelible mark on Indian history, characterized by efficient administration, infrastructural development, and military innovation. Despite his untimely demise, his legacy endured through his enduring contributions to governance, trade, and architecture.

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