Q. Sher Shah is considered to be the fore-runner of Akbar in administration because
(a) his administrative policies were adopted by Akbar
(b) he ruled before Akbar
(c) he trained Akbar in administration
(d) he supervised Akbar’s administration
Ans: (a) his administrative policies were adopted by Akbar
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) his administrative policies were adopted by Akbar.
Sher Shah Suri, also known as Sher Shah or Sher Khan, was a prominent ruler in medieval India who established the Sur dynasty and ruled from 1540 to 1545. His reign is often regarded as a significant precursor to Akbar’s administration for several reasons.
Sher Shah introduced several administrative reforms that greatly influenced the Mughal administration under Akbar. Some of the notable policies implemented by Sher Shah included the reorganization of the revenue system, the establishment of an efficient administration, and the development of an extensive network of roads and highways.
Sher Shah introduced a new revenue system known as the “Dahsala” system, which involved the measurement and assessment of land for taxation purposes. This system aimed to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation of the peasants. Akbar later adopted and further refined this system, known as the “Zabt” system, during his reign.
Additionally, Sher Shah’s administrative reforms extended to the establishment of efficient administrative divisions, the introduction of a postal system, and the construction of the famous Grand Trunk Road, a major highway connecting various parts of the empire. These initiatives set the stage for Akbar’s administrative policies, which further developed and expanded upon Sher Shah’s reforms.
