Farid, later known as Sher Khan and subsequently Sher Shah Suri, rose from the son of a jagirdar to become a prominent ruler in Indian history. His establishment of the Second Afghan Empire and the administrative reforms he introduced had a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Born as Farid, Sher Shah Suri’s father, Hasan Khan Sur, managed the jagir of Sasaram in Bihar under the Lodi dynasty. Farid initially served as a jagirdar before rising to prominence. His defeat of Humayun in 1540 marked his ascension as the sovereign ruler, and he adopted the title of Sher Shah. This event began a new era known as the Second Afghan Empire.

Establishment and Expansion of the Afghan Rule

Sher Shah Suri’s reign, which lasted for 15 years, was marked by extensive military conquests and administrative reforms. He began by consolidating power and expanding his territory through key campaigns:

• Conquest of Malwa and Chanderi (1542): Sher Shah extended his control over these regions.
• Campaigns in Rajasthan: His military campaigns spanned Marwar, Ranthambhore, Nagor, Ajmer, Merta, Jodhpur, and Bikaner.
• Defeating Afghans in Bengal: Sher Shah quelled resistance in Bengal.
• Final Campaign in Bundelkhand: He besieged the fort of Kalinjar but died in 1545 due to an accidental gunpowder blast.

Death and Succession

Following Sher Shah Suri’s death in 1545, his successors maintained control until 1555, when Humayun reclaimed the throne. Despite the brief duration of Sher Shah’s rule, his legacy had a profound impact on the region’s governance and infrastructure.

Sher Shah’s Reforms

Sher Shah Suri’s administration was notable for several key reforms that modernized the empire:

1. Centralized Government:

• The administration was streamlined with key ministers:
  • Diwan-i-Wizarat (Wazir): Oversaw revenue and finance.
  • Diwan-i-Ariz: Managed the army.
  • Diwan-i-Rasalat: Handled foreign affairs.
  • Diwan-i-Insha: Responsible for communications.

1. Administrative Division:

• The empire was divided into 47 sarkars, each managed by a Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and Chief Munsif (judge).
• Each sarkar was subdivided into parganas, with Shiqdar (military officer), Amin (land revenue), Fotedar (treasurer), and Karkuns (accountants) overseeing local administration.

1. Infrastructure Improvements:

• Sher Shah significantly improved communications by building four major highways:
  • From Sonargaon to Sind
  • From Agra to Burhampur
  • From Jodhpur to Chittor
  • From Lahore to Multan
• He also extended the Grand Trunk Road, linking Chittagong in Bengal to Kabul in Afghanistan.

1. Cultural Contributions:

• During his reign, Malik Muhammad Jayasi authored the renowned Hindi work Padmavat.
• Sher Shah initiated the construction of Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi and built his mausoleum in Sasaram.

Conclusion

Sher Shah Suri’s rule was defined by strategic military campaigns and transformative administrative reforms. His centralization of power, infrastructural advancements, and cultural patronage left a lasting imprint on Indian history. For UPSC aspirants, studying Sher Shah’s reign offers valuable insights into the governance and military strategies of the period, providing a foundation for understanding subsequent developments in the Indian subcontinent.