Sher Shah Suri
In 1472 or 1486, a boy named Farid al-Din Khan was born in the town of Sasaram. His family belonged to the Sur clan of Pashtun Afghans who had migrated from Roh in modern Afghanistan. His grandfather Ibrahim Khan Sur started as a horse trader before becoming a landlord in Haryana. The young Farid faced cruelty from one stepmother and fled home due to internal family strife. He sought refuge with Jamal Khan Lodi and pursued education in Jaunpur for several years. Hasan Khan Sur, his father, eventually invited him back to manage domains in 1497 after hearing reports of his potential greatness. Sher Shah effectively governed these territories and gained a reputation for reforms that brought prosperity to the region. Family intrigues forced him to relinquish his position over the jagirs by 1518. He then moved to Agra where he stayed until his father's death allowed him to return to his family's estates.
After returning to his jagirs in 1520-21, Sher Shah began administering them while serving Behar Khan Lohani. Conflict emerged over the split of his father's land between his brothers. Muhammad Khan Sur initially drove Sher Shah from the estate by defeating one of his governors. In April 1527, Babur launched a campaign against the Afghans in Bihar. Sher Shah distinguished himself during this time and his estates were restored in 1528. With his jagirs secured, he accompanied Junaid Khan to Agra where he met Mughal Emperor Babur. During this period, Sher Shah was conferred the title of Sher Khan after killing a tiger that leapt upon the ruler of Bihar. He remained in Agra observing Mughal military organization and administration. Once dining with Babur, he encountered an unfamiliar dish and cut it into smaller pieces before eating it with a spoon. Babur took notice and informed his minister Mir Khalifa about the incident. Suspecting a rising plot against him, Sher Shah departed Agra and left Mughal service in 1528. He sought refuge under Sultan Muhammad of Bihar who appointed him as guardian of Jalal Khan.
In October 1528, Sultan Mohammad of Bihar died and his queen Dudu Bibi assumed the role of regent. Sher Shah became her deputy governor and began consolidating power through reforms. By early 1530, the death of Dudu Bibi enabled Sher Shah to become regent for Jalal Khan making him de facto ruler of Bihar. Despite growing power many Lohani nobles opposed Sher Shah's dominance. They fled to Bengal seeking support from Nasiruddin Nasrat Shah. Consequently Sher Shah became sole ruler of Bihar without adopting grand titles. In September 1532 Humayun besieged Chunar fortress owned by Sher Shah for over four months. The siege continued to no avail until Sher Shah offered loyalty on condition that he remained in control of Chunar. Humayun accepted and lifted the siege in December 1532 returning to Agra due to threats from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Between 1536 and 1537 Sher Shah invaded Bengal defeating Mahmud Shah numerous times occupying lands west of Teliagarhi pass. He out-flanked combined armies and reached Gauda forcing capitulation. Mahmud Shah paid over 13 million gold coins and ceded territory up to Sakrigali.
Following victories in Bengal Sher Shah held his first coronation in April 1538 after seizing Rohtasgarh through stratagem. He used Rohtasgarh to situate Afghan families and loot obtained during war. After fall of Gauda Sher Shah offered favorable peace terms to Humayun proposing payment of 10 million dinars and ceding Bihar for control of Bengal. Humayun refused not wishing to leave Bengal's rich resources to hostile state. Following this Humayun marched towards Bengal confronting Sher Shah. Mughal army was troubled by heavy rains causing loss of baggage between Patna and Monghyr. Humayun eventually reached Gauda and seized it without opposition on the 8th of September 1538 but city had been abandoned by Afghans with treasury looted. Sher Shah capitalized on situation seizing Bihar and Varanasi reclaiming Chunar laying siege to Jaunpur. Other detachments extended as far as Kannauj leaving Humayun stranded in Gauda. As he crossed Karmanasa River where army vulnerable to attack Sher Shah attacked at Battle of Chausa. Afghans descended on Mughal army which numbered 200,000 strong. Overwhelmed Mughal army completely routed suffering over 7,000 casualties including many prominent noblemen.
During his rule as Emperor of Sur Empire Sher Shah implemented numerous economic administrative and military reforms. He issued first Rupiya organizing postal system of Indian subcontinent extending Grand Trunk Road from Chittagong in Bengal to Kabul in Afghanistan significantly improving trade. The term rupee came to be used as name for silver coin of standard weight 178 grains precursor of modern rupee. Gold coins called Mohur weighing 169 grains and copper coins called Paisa were also minted during reign. Sher Shah further developed Humayun's Dina-panah city renaming it Shergarh reviving historical city of Pataliputra which had been decline since 7th century CE as Patna. Among reforms while consolidating empire Sher Shah abolished taxes at borders of provinces invigorating trade throughout India. Only two levies remained: one on goods brought into country another when goods sold. Customs duties entirely removed. Sher Shah established efficient postal system with mail carried by relays of horse riders. Caravanserais inns and mosques built along entire stretch of road trees planted both sides providing shade to travelers. Wells dug especially along western section.
Sher Shah built several monuments including Rohtas Fort now UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pakistan many structures in Rohtasgarh Fort Bihar Sher Shah Suri Masjid in Patna Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque inside Purana Qila complex Delhi Sher Mandal octagonal building inside Purana Qila complex later serving library of Humayun. He built new city Bhera in present-day Pakistan in 1545 including grand masjid named after him. The mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri described as one most beautiful monuments India due grandeur dignity British archaeologist Cunningham even inclined prefer over Taj Mahal. Sher Shah responsible for greatly rebuilding modernizing Grand Trunk Road major artery runs all way from modern Bangladesh Afghanistan. Caravanserais inns mosques built trees planted along entire stretch both sides road provide shade travelers. Wells also dug especially along western section. He established efficient postal system mail carried by relays horse riders. Sher Shah's empire spanned nearly entirety Northern India excluding Assam Kashmir Gujarat North-West Frontier Province at end reign.
Following conquest Marwar Sher Shah besieged Kalinjar Fort in 1544 due continuous resistance Rajputs sieging fort seven months. Circumstances regarding death uncertain some sources state mortally wounded gunpowder explosion when cannon burst. Another account suggests during battle descended rampart ordered men hurl bombs into fort bomb fell back hitting cache bombs causing large explosion. Some people escaped minor burns while Sher Shah found half-burned taken tent remaining two days. Despite critical condition he ordered men swarm fort advancing close fort with troops. Upon hearing fort finally fallen remarked Thanks Almighty god. Sher Shah succumbed wounds died the 22nd of May 1545 age 73 or 59. At end reign empire spanned nearly entirety Northern India excluding Assam Kashmir Gujarat North-West Frontier Province. Sher Shah heir apparent eldest son Adil Khan Jalal Khan more favored nobility seen experienced. As result Jalal Khan invited nobility crowned becoming Sher Shah successor taking regnal name Islam Shah Suri. Sher Shah buried tomb Sher Shah Suri stands middle artificial lake Sasaram town Grand Trunk Road. Tomb finished construction the 16th of August 1545 three months after death.
Common questions
When was Sher Shah Suri born and where did he grow up?
Sher Shah Suri was born in 1472 or 1486 in the town of Sasaram. His family belonged to the Sur clan of Pashtun Afghans who had migrated from Roh in modern Afghanistan.
How did Sher Shah Suri die and when did his death occur?
Sher Shah Suri died on the 22nd of May 1545 after being mortally wounded by a gunpowder explosion during the siege of Kalinjar Fort. He succumbed to his wounds two days after the incident while still ordering his men to advance the fort.
What major infrastructure projects did Sher Shah Suri implement across India?
Sher Shah Suri significantly improved trade by extending the Grand Trunk Road from Chittagong in Bengal to Kabul in Afghanistan. He established an efficient postal system using relays of horse riders and built caravanserais, mosques, and wells along the entire stretch of the road.
Which battles did Sher Shah Suri fight against Humayun and what were their outcomes?
Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chausa where the Mughal army suffered over 7,000 casualties including many prominent noblemen. This victory allowed him to seize Bihar and Varanasi while leaving Humayun stranded in Gauda.
When was the mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri completed and how long did construction take?
The mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri stands in the middle of an artificial lake in Sasaram town on the Grand Trunk Road. Construction finished on the 16th of August 1545 which is three months after his death.