Question

Sher Shah undertook various measures to strengthen the administrative structure. Substantiate.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be broken down into 4 main parts:

1. You can begin the answer by discussing how Sher Shah became the head of the administration.
2. Next, discuss how he assumed control of the army.
3. Explain how he used fertility as a criteria to estimate the land tax to be extracted.
4. Next, discuss how he was the ultimate authority, followed by his introduction of new coins that furthered trade.

Solution:

• Sher Shah was the main head of administration and was aided by his council of ministers. He controlled both civil and military powers.
• Sher Shah also took a great deal of interest in managing and overseeing the army. To discipline the soldiers, he started a system of attendance for them. He also initiated the system of ‘Daag’ or stamping for horses.
• He got the cultivable land measured and fixed the land tax based on this measurement.
• Sher Shah was impartial in his justice. He was the highest judge and decided all the final appeals.
• He brought a new coin called Daam into circulation, which furthered trade relations. He also constructed about 1700 sarais or shelters for travellers.