SHER SHAH SURI AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS 1540–1545 - Complete UPSC Notes

SHER SHAH SURI AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS 1540–1545 - Complete UPSC Notes

SHER SHAH SURI AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Introduction Sher Shah defeated Humayun badly in the Battle of Kannauj (1540) and took control of the Mughal Empire. He rose from humble beginnings to great power and is considered one of history’s great rulers. He was an ethnic Pashtun (Afghan) . Humayun failed to understand Afghan power and was defeated by Sher Khan (later Sher Shah) . After this victory, the Sur Empire (Second Afghan Empire) was established. 2. Sher Shah Suri (AD 1540–1545) Sher Shah Suri (1486–1545) founded the Sur Empire with its capital at Sasaram (Bihar) . His father was Hasan Khan , a jagirdar of Sasaram. His original name was Farid , and he received the title Sher Khan for bravery while serving the Afghan ruler of Bihar. At age 54, he defeated Humayun in the Battle of Chausa and assumed control in 1540. He was one of the most remarkable rulers of the Medieval period. He appointed both Hindus and Muslims to important posts and was known for religious tolerance. He was the greatest Sur ruler…