Medieval History Notes: All about Shershah Suri

By Sandeep Baliyan|Updated : March 5th, 2016

Shershah Suri

  • Shershah’s original name was Farid.
  • He was born in Hissar Firosa.
  • His father was Hassan Khan
  • His family came to India from Afghanistan.
  • He entered the service of Baharkhan Lohani of Behar from whom received the title of Sherkhan, for killing a lion single handed.

 

  • Later he became a member of the Mughal court of Babur.
  •  In 1539 by the battle of Chausa, Sherkhan defeated Humayun for the first time and assumed the name Shershah.
  • Later in 1540 he completely defeated Humayun in the battle of Kanauj and founded the Sur dynasty.
  • While directing the operations of his artillery at Kalanjar against the ruler of Bundelkhand Raja Kirat Singh, Shershah was seriously wounded by a sudden fire from his own artillery and died on May 22, 1545.
  • Shershah constructed the Grand Trunk Road from Sohargaon to Attock (Calcutta to Amritsar)
  • He introduced the National Highway concept for the first time in India.
  • Now the Grand Trunk Road is known as Shershah Suri Marg. Its part from Delhi to Amritsar is known as National Highway -1.
  • Grand Trunk Road is also known a ‘Long Walk’.
  • He was the first ruler to introduce Silver Rupiya (one rupiya was equal to 64 dams) and gold coin Ashrafi.
  • He built the Purana Qila in Delhi (its Construction was started by Humayun) and his own Mousoleum (Tomb) at Sasaram in Bihar.
  • He also constructed the Khooni Darwaza (blood stained gate) the gate way of Firozshah Kotla in Delhi.
  • Hindi poet Malik Muhammed Jayasi completed his Padmavat, during his reign.
  • His Revenue system was excellent and hence Akbar’s administrative reforms were modelled after him. He is regarded as the forerunner of Akbar.
  • Shershah was succeeded by his son Islam Shah. The last Sur ruler was Sikkandar Shah Sur. Who was defeated by Humayun in 1555 by the battle of Sirhindh.

Thanks

Sandeep Baliyan

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