Sher Shah Suri: The Lion King of India

Introduction:

Sher Shah Suri, also known as Sher Khan or Sher Shah, was a remarkable figure in Indian history. Born as Farid Khan in 1486, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential rulers of medieval India. Through his military prowess, administrative reforms, and infrastructural developments, Sher Shah Suri left an indelible mark on the nation. In this article, we present a ranked list of his notable achievements and contributions.

1. Military Conquests:

Sher Shah Suri was a formidable military strategist and conqueror. His most significant military achievement was defeating the Mughal Emperor Humayun in the Battle of Chausa in 1539 and again at the Battle of Bilgram in 1540. These victories led to the establishment of the Sur Empire, marking a turning point in Indian history.

2. Administrative Reforms:

Sher Shah Suri implemented numerous administrative reforms that greatly improved governance in his empire. He introduced a well-organized revenue administration system, known as the "Dahsala" system, based on assessing land revenue according to crop production. This system was later adopted by the Mughals and British.

3. Road Infrastructure:

One of Sher Shah Suri's most enduring legacies is the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, also known as the "Sarak-e-Azam." This historic road stretched over 2,500 kilometers, connecting modern-day Bangladesh to Afghanistan. It facilitated trade, communication, and the movement of troops, playing a crucial role in integrating the regions under his rule.

4. Postal System:

Sher Shah Suri established an efficient postal system known as the "Dak Chauki," which ensured the swift and secure delivery of messages across his empire. This postal network improved communication and administration, connecting distant regions and fostering unity.

5. Currency Reforms:

To promote economic stability, Sher Shah Suri introduced a new currency system, issuing the silver rupee, which became the standard currency for centuries. This unified monetary system facilitated trade and commerce within the empire.

6. Land Reforms:

Sher Shah Suri implemented land reforms to address issues of land ownership and taxation. He introduced measures to prevent exploitation of peasants, including limits on tax rates and the abolition of arbitrary taxes. These reforms aimed to ensure social justice and alleviate the burden on farmers.

7. Architectural Marvels:

During his reign, Sher Shah Suri undertook the construction of several architectural marvels. The most notable of these is the Rohtas Fort in present-day Pakistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This imposing fort served as a military stronghold and remains a testament to his architectural vision.

8. Legal Reforms:

Sher Shah Suri introduced legal reforms, including the compilation of a legal code known as the "Sher Shahi." This code covered various aspects of governance, including civil and criminal law, revenue administration, and land disputes. It provided a foundation for legal proceedings and served as a reference for subsequent rulers.

Conclusion:

Sher Shah Suri's reign was marked by significant achievements in military conquests, administrative reforms, infrastructure development, and legal reforms. His contributions not only transformed the regions under his rule but also left a lasting impact on Indian history. Sher Shah Suri's reforms and innovations continue to be admired for their progressive and visionary nature, making him one of the most influential rulers of medieval India.
His name is Sher Shah Suri and he ruled the subcontinent for just 5 years.
During these 5 years, he completed the Grand Trunk Road, the largest road in India, which was 3337 km long and ran from present day Pakistan to Bengal.
Built the largest postal system in India.
Completed the land survey of the entire subcontinent and created a complete land revenue system in the subcontinent.
A new currency system was introduced in the subcontinent.
The founder of "Rupiya" is Sher Shah Suri.
He established the strongest judicial system in the history of the subcontinent and established major cities like Rohtasgarh and Sasaram.
Free health facilities were provided to the poor and free accommodation to travelers.
Divided the subcontinent into different provinces and cities and then up to tehsils so that the administration could be better
During 5 years there was peace in the subcontinent
And the Mughal rulers who came after the death of Sher Shah Suri also enmity
Despite this, they continued to follow their policies.
The greatest virtue of Sher Shah Suri was that he took charge of the subcontinent