Sher Shah Sur emperor of north India in the Islamic Sur (Afghan) dynasty of 1540–57 who organized a long-lived bureaucracy responsible to the ruler and created a carefully calculated revenue system.
For the first time during the Islamic conquest the relationship between the people and the ruler was systematized, with little oppression or corruption.
His empire consisted of the whole of North India except Assam, Nepal, Kashmir and Gujarat.
Sher Shah’s Administration
Sher Shah’s administration was mostly based on the Mughal pattern, but with some Hindustan pattern. He succeeded in effecting a judicious balance between the old and new systems, and laying a solid foundation for Akbar’s great achievements.
His administration has been centralised administration just like sultanate period. He was the first Muslim ruler of India who displayed a real aptitude for civil government.
The king was assisted by four important ministers:
- Diwan-i-Wizarat — also called as Wazir – in charge of Revenue and Finance.
- Diwan-i-Ariz — in charge of Army.
- Diwan-i-Rasalat — Foreign Minister.
- Diwan-i-Insha — Minister for Communications.
Sher Shah’s empire was divided into forty seven sarkars. Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and Chief Munsif (judge) were the two officers in charge of the administration in each sarkar.
Each sarkar was divided into several parganas. Shiqdar (military officer), Amin (land revenue), Fotedar (treasurer) Karkuns (accountants) were in charge of the administration of each pargana. There were also many administrative units called iqtas.
The land revenue administration was well organized under Sher Shah. Land survey was carefully done. All cultivable lands were classified into three classes — good, middle and bad. The state’s share was one third of the average produce and it was paid in cash or crop.
Sher Shah introduced new silver coins called “Dam” and they were in circulation till 1835. Sher Shah had also improved the communications by laying four important highways.
Estimate of Sher Shah
Sher Shah made many contributions to Indian history during his reign. Being a ruler, he was the head of the state, which included the enforcement of criminal laws.
He was never a ruler who interfered with the religious freedom of his subjects. He is said to have been neutral towards all religions. Generally tolerant towards other religions. He employed Hindus in important offices
He built a new city on the banks of the river Yamuna near Delhi. Now the old fort called Purana Qila and its mosque is alone surviving. He also built a Mausoleum at Sasaram.
Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous Hindi work Padmavat during his reign. After Sher Shah’s death in 1545 his successors ruled till 1555 when Humayun reconquered India.