Sher Shah Suri Administration
Sher Shah Suri’s administration was marked by significant reforms and innovations that had a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent, laying the groundwork for future governance structures, including those of the Mughal Empire. Here is an overview of some key aspects of his administration:
Revenue System
- Land Revenue Reforms: Sher Shah Suri introduced a more systematic approach to land measurement and revenue collection, ensuring fairness and efficiency. He classified land based on fertility and fixed rates accordingly.
- Raga: He implemented a system where revenue was fixed as a cash payment, aiming to standardize and stabilize the revenue system.
Currency and Trade
- Introduction of the Rupiya: He introduced the silver coin known as “Rupiya,” which later evolved into the modern rupee, standardizing the currency system and facilitating trade.
- Trade Routes and Sarais: Sher Shah developed and secured trade routes, notably the Grand Trunk Road, and built caravanserais (inns) along these routes to promote trade and ensure the safety of traders.
Military and Security
- Military Organization: He reorganized the military, introducing a more disciplined and efficient structure, which included a standing army paid directly by the state.
- Fortifications: To ensure the security of his empire, Sher Shah fortified his territory by building and renovating forts at strategic locations.
Legal and Judicial Reforms
- Law and Order: He established a strong law and order mechanism by enforcing a strict code of justice, which reduced crime and ensured the safety of his subjects.
- Civil Administration: Sher Shah’s administration was characterized by a clear division of authority and responsibility, streamlining governance and improving efficiency.
Infrastructure Development
- Roads: His most notable contribution to infrastructure was the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, which connected various parts of his empire, facilitating communication, trade, and military movement.
- Postal System: He reorganized the postal system of the empire, making it more efficient and reliable for administrative communication.
Welfare Measures
- Agricultural Development: Sher Shah took measures to improve agricultural productivity by providing loans and incentives to farmers.
- Public Works: He invested in public works, including the construction of new wells, restoration of old water systems, and the establishment of public gardens and baths, improving the quality of life for his subjects.
Sher Shah Suri’s administrative reforms were pragmatic and focused on the welfare of his subjects, the efficiency of the administration, and the strength of his empire. His policies and innovations left a lasting legacy, influencing subsequent rulers and shaping the administrative landscape of the Indian subcontinent for centuries.
Sher Shah Suri(1540-55)
Sher Shah Suri: After defeating the second Mughal emperor Humayun in 1540, Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan, established the Suri dynasty and assumed control of the Mughal Empire. He made a major contribution to the Suri dynasty and established the calculated revenue system’s long-term bureaucracy. He established an orderly interaction between the populace and the governing monarch. To enlarge his sultanate and include Gwalior and Malwa, Sher Shah Suri conquered Delhi.
In this article, we will look into his time of reign and contributions in detail.
Let’s explore.
Sher Shah Suri(1540-55)
Table of Content
- Overview of Sher Shah Suri
- Sher Shah Suri Administration
- Sher Shah Suri Reforms
- Sher Shah Suri – Death and Legacy
- Sher Shah Suri’s Contribution to the Society