Question

Write a short note on Sher Shah Sur.

Answer 1

Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Sur dynasty. He ruled for a very short period, but he was an able administrator. He introduced substantial changes in the administrative system and the land revenue system to establish a strong and well-governed kingdom.

Sher Shah's economic changes have been the most notable reforms. During his regime, the main sources of revenue were land, unclaimed properties, salt tax, mint tax, jaziya and gifts from subordinates. ​He reworked on the currency system, established rupiya and fixed weights and standards for the empire. He was the first to reorganise the collection of land revenue on the basis of land measurement and categorisation of land according to the product.

To improve the communication system, he built the Grand Trunk Road, connecting Peshawar to Calcutta. He introduced many military reforms as well. Under these, the face of the soldiers and their horses were recorded. Training was made compulsory in the army. Thus, it can be said that Sher Shah Suri set a good example of efficient rule for the rulers to come.