SHER SHAH SURI

Farid Khan, who was later recognized as Sher Shah Suri, son of a “Jagirdar” under the Jaunpur kingdom. The article is going to focus on the achievements as well as the administration of Sher Shah Suri. During the era of Sher Shah, the relationship between the ruler and the people was systemized, with little corruption or oppression. Farid, one of Hasan Khan’s eight sons, a horse breeder, rebelled against his father and left his home to join the service of “Jaunpur Governor Jamal Khan”, as a soldier. The article will focus on the factors of Sher Shah Suri effectively. 

Administration of Sher Shah Suri

Farid Khan left his home in order to join the services as a soldier of “Jamal Khan” who was the governor of Jaunpur. Later he worked for the emperors of Mughal in Bihar, who awarded him the “Sher Khan” title for his effective bravery. After that, he effectively defeated the army of Bengal and started ruling over Bihar. He defeated Humayun, who was the Mughal emperor, at the “battle of Chausa” on 26 June 1539, and took the royal title of “Farid al-Din Sher Shah”. He drove out his enemies from Bengal, Hindustan, Punjab, and Bihar and also suppressed the chiefs of Baluchi on the north-western frontier.

Sher Shah captured Malwa and Gwalior with the intention of expanding his Sultanate of Delhi but was killed throughout the time of the siege of Kalinga. Sher Shah Suri was an effective as well as great ruler in India and efficiently administered tax collections and his army. Some of his contributions and strategies were later effectively idolised by the emperors of the Mughal empire for instance Akbar. He is one of the greatest as well as the most benevolent rulers of mediaeval India. In the concept of the central department of his administration, he implemented almost four central departments such as:

• Diwan-i-arz (Department of Military)
• Diwan-i-Rasalat (Department for foreign and religious affairs)
• Diwan-i-Insha (Royal Secretariat)
• Diwan-i-wijarat (Department of Finance)

During the era of Sher Shah Suri, the income sources were the revenue of lands, taxes on transportation of finished products or raw materials, tribute from jagirdars, nawabs, rajas. He established four major roads during his era for his people’s grand trunk road, Agra to Multan, Mandu to Agra, and Multan to Lahore. These roads were effectively lined with rest houses, trees, as well as houses. He implemented different norms on the basis of communication systems, and revenue policy as peasants need to pay “muhasilana” (tax collection charge) and “jaribana” (survey charge). 

Achievement of Sher Shah Suri

Sher Shah Suri was one of the greatest emperors of India who ruled for almost five years. During his era, he implemented different norms and policies for the improvement of the infrastructure as well as providing effective services to its people. The greatest achievement of Sher Shah was the revenue system. In mediaeval India, Sher Shah Suri was also well recognized as the “Father of administration” for his efficient administrative works and practices. Grand trunk road links multiple places in India. Later, Akbar adopted the policies of Sher Shah Suri and effectively provided equal justice for its people. 

Sher Shah Suri tomb depicts the memory of Sher Shah which is situated in the town of Sasaram in Bihar. Mir Muhammad Aliwal Khan appropriately designed the Sher Shah Suri tomb. Sher Shah Suri effectively introduced the tri-metalism system which was known as “Rupia”. In the present scenario, the rupee is the national currency in Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal among other countries. Sher Shah introduced the coins of copper which were called quarter Dam, half Dam, and Dam as per denomination. During the era of Sher Shah Suri, he effectively introduced regular postal services. He established efficient road systems that helped in communication as well as trade. He was not only a brave warrior but also an efficient administrator. Sher Shah Suri tomb is a glorious illustration of ancient architecture. 

Conclusion 

Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that Sher Shah Suri is one of the greatest and most brave warriors in India. He has an effective contribution to the infrastructure of India as he established the grand trunk road. He efficiently organised a new military administration that helped to develop his practices. The implementation of the administration system by Sher Shah Suri helped him to develop the infrastructure. Moreover, it can be stated that Sher Shah Suri tomb is one of the popular illustrations of ancient architecture. The income sources of this era were taxes, land revenues, gifts from foreign travellers, and tributes from the jagirdars.