Sur Empire
In July 1537, Humayun mobilized a Mughal army to advance on the fort at Chunar. He reached the site in November of that year and began a siege lasting over six months. Rumi Khan attempted to take the city quickly but failed. Sher Shah led a second invasion into Bengal and besieged Gauda. The city fell to Afghan forces in April 1538. Rohtasgarh also came under his control by March 1538. He used this fortress to house Afghan families and store loot from the war. With these victories, Sher Shah held his first coronation. He offered Humayun peace terms including ten million dinars and surrendering Bihar for control of Bengal. Humayun refused because he did not wish to leave Bengal to a hostile state. Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah entered Humayun's camp wounded and requested continued war against Sher Shah. He died shortly after from his wounds. Humayun marched toward Bengal but poor weather caused the loss of his baggage between Patna and Monghyr. He seized Gauda without opposition on the 8th of September 1538. The city was abandoned by Afghans who had stripped the treasury. Humayun remained stuck there due to bad weather while Sher Shah drove deep into his territory. Sher Shah seized Bihar and Varanasi and recovered Chunar. He laid siege to Jaunpur while detachments extended as far as Kannauj. Humayun was effectively stranded at Gauda with no communication lines. After learning of disturbances at Agra, Humayun rushed to settle for peace. He crossed the Karmanasa River where he could be easily attacked. Sher Khan saw the fragile state of the Mughal army and attacked them at the Battle of Chausa. The Afghans descended on the Mughals and caught them off guard. The result was a complete rout of the Mughals. Humayun barely escaped with his life. Over seven thousand Mughals died including many prominent noblemen.
Sher Shah introduced a system of tri-metalism that characterized future coinage in India. The term rupee previously referred to any silver coin but became the name for a standard weight of 178 grains during his rule. This currency is now used as the national money in countries like India, Indonesia, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. Gold coins called Mohur weighing 169 grains were minted alongside copper coins known as Paisa. Numismatists Goron and Goenka note that coins dated AH 945 or 1538 AD show Sher Khan assumed the royal title Farid al-Din Sher Shah before the battle of Chausa. He struck coins in his own name prior to that major engagement. Sher Shah also rebuilt the Grand Trunk Road running from modern Bangladesh to Afghanistan. Caravanserais and mosques were built along the entire stretch while trees were planted to provide shade. Wells were dug especially along the western section. He established an efficient postal system using relays of horse riders to carry mail. Sher Shah abolished taxes on provincial borders to invigorate trade throughout India. Only two levies remained: one on goods brought into the country and another when goods were sold. Customs duties were entirely removed.
Sher Shah's army defeated the Mughal Empire and drove them out of India. He invited Afghans from across the empire and gave them high positions. He took interest in recruiting troops and promoted men based on merit. The Afghan army utilized heavy emphasis on cavalry while infantry were armed with muskets. One reform included splitting armies into divisions led by a commander. Discipline was strict with provisions given by Banjaras who accompanied the army. Men were assigned roles attributing to the Dagh system where spies could be rooted out. In 1540, Sher Shah's army consisted of over 150,000 cavalrymen and 25,000 infantrymen. There were also over 5,000 war elephants in his forces. Sher Shah considered Pashto a sign of friendliness and gave higher salaries to Afghans who spoke it. Haibat Khan governed Punjab with control over more than 30,000 men. Khwas Khan ruled Rajasthan and assembled over 20,000 men. These military governors had their own bodies of men usually less than 5,000 strong. They instilled order and law in the subdivisions they controlled.
Following the conquest of Marwar, Sher Shah besieged Kalinjar Fort in 1544. While leading the siege he was mortally wounded from a gunpowder explosion when one of his cannons burst. He remained in his tent for two days receiving news that the fort finally fell. He remarked thanks to Almighty God before succumbing to wounds on the 22nd of May 1545. He was succeeded by his son Jalal Khan who took the title Islam Shah Suri. Civil wars erupted following Islam Shah's death in November 1554. One last event of the Mughal reconquest occurred in summer 1557 during the Siege of Mankot. Sikandar Shah Suri had taken refuge there. He surrendered to Mughal forces led by Bairam Khan on the 25th of July 1557 after six months of stiff resistance using artillery and matchlocks. Sikandar was pardoned and entered service of emperor Akbar but soon fell out
of favor. The Sur dynasty held control of nearly all Mughal territories from Balochistan in the west to modern-day Bangladesh in the east despite its short reign of nearly 16 or 18 years.
Common questions
When did Sher Shah Suri die and what caused his death?
Sher Shah Suri died on the 22nd of May 1545 after being mortally wounded by a gunpowder explosion from a bursting cannon during the siege of Kalinjar Fort. He remained in his tent for two days before succumbing to his wounds.
What currency reforms did Sher Shah introduce to India?
Sher Shah introduced tri-metalism featuring the rupee as a standard silver coin weighing 178 grains, gold Mohur coins at 169 grains, and copper Paisa coins. This system established the national money used today in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
How many soldiers were in Sher Shah's army in 1540?
In 1540, Sher Shah's army consisted of over 150,000 cavalrymen, 25,000 infantrymen, and more than 5,000 war elephants. These forces utilized heavy cavalry emphasis while infantry units carried muskets under strict discipline.
Where was the Battle of Chausa fought and when did it occur?
The Battle of Chausa took place near the Karmanasa River where Humayun crossed while fleeing Afghan advances. The battle resulted in a complete rout of the Mughal army with over seven thousand deaths including prominent noblemen during the conflict.
Who succeeded Sher Shah Suri after his death in 1545?
Jalal Khan succeeded Sher Shah Suri immediately following his death on the 22nd of May 1545 and assumed the title Islam Shah Suri. Civil wars erupted later following Islam Shah's death in November 1554 which ended the dynasty's control.