Farid Khan (Sher Shah Suri)
- Born:
- c. 1486, Sasaram, Bengal Sultanate (present-day Bihar, India)
- Died:
- May 22, 1545, Kalinjar Fort, Bundelkhand (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India)
- Nationality:
- Afghan/Indian
- Profession(s):
- Military Commander, Administrator, Emperor of the Sur Empire
Early Life and Education
- Born Farid Khan to a family of Afghan origin.
- Received education in administration, military strategy, and Islamic studies.
- Served under Jamal Khan Lodi, a local administrator.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence in the service of the Mughals, specifically Babur.
- Defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chausa in 1539 and the Battle of Kannauj in 1540, establishing the Sur Empire.
- Implemented significant administrative reforms, including a centralized government, standardized currency, and improved infrastructure.
- Commissioned the construction of the Grand Trunk Road, connecting Bengal to Peshawar.
- Improved the postal system and land revenue administration.
- His reign, though short, saw significant economic and military advancements.
- The biography of Sher Shah Suri in Urdu highlights his strategic brilliance.
Notable Works
- Construction of the Grand Trunk Road.
- Establishment of a standardized currency system using silver coins (Rupiya).
- Reform of the land revenue system.
- Construction of several mosques and forts, including Rohtas Fort in present-day Pakistan.
Legacy and Impact
Sher Shah Suri's reign, though brief, left a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent. His administrative reforms served as a model for later rulers, including the Mughals. The Grand Trunk Road remains a vital artery for trade and transportation to this day. His policies greatly improved infrastructure and administration.