**Sher Shah Suri: A Great Afghan Ruler of India**

Sher Shah Suri was one of the greatest rulers in Indian history. Although his reign was short, his administrative reforms, military prowess, and foresight had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent. He is remembered as a wise and astute ruler who laid the foundation for efficient governance, which was later adopted by the Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar.Sher Shah Suri was born in **1472** in Sasaram (now in Bihar). His real name was **Farid Khan**. He belonged to the Sur tribe of Afghans. His father, Hasan Khan Sur, was a jagirdar (landlord) under the Lodi rulers of Delhi. Farid Khan received a good education for his time, studying Arabic, Persian, history, and administration. From a young age, he displayed intelligence, courage, and leadership qualities.He earned the title **"Sher Khan"** (meaning "King of Lions") after killing a ferocious tiger while protecting his master, Bahar Khan Lohani, the ruler of Bihar. This incident brought him fame and helped him rise in Afghan politics. Over time, Sher Khan consolidated his position by efficiently managing land revenue and building a strong army.Meanwhile, **Babur**, the founder of the Mughal Empire, defeated the Lodi rulers and established Mughal rule in India. Sher Khan initially accepted Mughal authority but gradually began to challenge it. After Babur's death, his son **Humayun** became the Mughal emperor. Sher Khan exploited Humayun's weaknesses and the internal conflicts within the Mughal Empire.

Sher Khan defeated Humayun in two major battles: the **Battle of Chausa (1539)** and the **Battle of Kannauj (1540)**. Following these victories, Sher Khan became the ruler of Delhi and assumed the title **Sher Shah Suri**, establishing the **Sur Empire**. Humayun was forced to flee from India.Sher Shah Suri ruled from **1540 to 1545**, a period of only five years, yet his achievements were extraordinary. He proved himself not only a successful military leader but also a brilliant administrator.One of Sher Shah's greatest contributions was his **administrative system**. He divided his empire into provinces called **Sarkars**, which were further subdivided into **Parganas**. Each unit had officers responsible for law and order, revenue collection, and justice. This system ensured better control and reduced corruption.Sher Shah implemented significant **revenue reforms**. He ordered a detailed survey of agricultural land and fixed land revenue based on the quality of the soil and the crops grown. Farmers were given written documents (pattas) specifying their land rights, and the state fixed a fair share of the produce as tax. These reforms protected farmers from exploitation and increased state revenue.He also reformed the **currency system** and introduced a standard silver coin called the **Rupiya**, which later became the basis of modern Indian currency. His monetary system was uniform, simple, and reliable, which facilitated trade and commerce.

Sher Shah Suri paid special attention to **roads and communication**. He rebuilt and extended the **Grand Trunk Road**, which stretched from Sonargaon in Bengal to Peshawar in the northwest. Along the roads, he built **sarais (rest houses)** for travelers, dug wells for drinking water, and planted trees for shade. These roads improved trade, administration, and military movement.In matters of **justice**, Sher Shah was strict but fair. He believed that justice was the foundation of good governance. Even powerful chieftains were punished if found guilty. His law and order system made travel safe, and crimes were dealt with strictly.Sher Shah Suri was also known for his **religious tolerance**. Although he was a devout Muslim, he did not persecute people of other faiths. He appointed Hindus to high administrative positions and focused on merit rather than religious identity.Unfortunately, Sher Shah Suri's life came to a sudden end. In **1545**, while attacking the fort of Kalinjar, he was seriously injured in an explosion during the siege. He died shortly afterward. After his death, his successors proved weak, and the Sur Empire collapsed within a few years. Humayun later returned to India and re-established Mughal rule.Despite his short reign, Sher Shah Suri's legacy is immense. His administrative reforms, revenue system, road network, and currency influenced future rulers, especially Emperor Akbar, who adopted many of Sher Shah's ideas. Sher Shah Suri is remembered as one of the greatest rulers of medieval India – a capable administrator, a fearless warrior, and a visionary leader whose work shaped Indian governance for generations. If you would like this in a **simpler**, **exam-appropriate**, or **school answer format with headings**, I can modify it for you.