Question

Describe the Administration of Sher Shah.

Hint:

Remember that Sher Shah's administrative model was a precursor to Akbar's system. Many of Sher Shah's innovations, especially in revenue (patta, qabuliyat) and infrastructure (Grand Trunk Road), were adopted and refined by the Mughals. This connection is a key point for historical analysis.

Answer 1

Sher Shah Suri, who ruled for a brief period (1540-1545), was a brilliant administrator whose reforms laid the foundation for the later Mughal administration. His system was efficient, well-organized, and focused on public welfare.
1. Central Administration: The king was the supreme authority. He was assisted by four important ministers:


Diwan-i-Wizarat: Head of the revenue and finance department.
Diwan-i-Ariz: Head of the army.
Diwan-i-Rasalat: Foreign Minister.
Diwan-i-Insha: Head of royal correspondence.
2. Provincial and Local Administration: The empire was divided into provinces called iqtas. Below them, the administrative structure was:


Sarkar (District): Headed by two chief officers, the Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran (to maintain law and order) and the Munsif-i-Munsifan (to supervise revenue collection).
Pargana (Sub-district): Comprised several villages and was managed by officials like the Shiqdar (military officer), Munsif (judge), and Karkuns (clerks).
3. Revenue Administration: This was one of his greatest achievements.


Land was systematically surveyed and measured using a uniform standard (sikandari gaz).
Land was classified into good, middle, and bad categories based on fertility.
The state's share was fixed at one-third of the average produce, payable in cash or kind.
He introduced formal documents like the patta (title deed) and qabuliyat (deed of agreement).
4. Infrastructure and Communication: He built an excellent network of roads for trade and military movement, most famously the Grand Trunk Road (Sadak-i-Azam). He also established sarais (inns) for travelers and a dak-chowki (postal system).
5. Currency Reform: He introduced a standardized silver coin called the rupia and a copper coin called the dam, which improved trade and commerce.