Evaluate Shershah as a ruler.

Evaluation of Sher Shah Suri as an Administrator and Ruler (1540–1545):

Sher Shah Suri (Farid Khan), founder of the Second Afghan Sur Empire, was one of the most brilliant administrative geniuses and benevolent monarchs in medieval Indian history, directly serving as the forerunner of Akbar's imperial administration:

• 1. Central and Provincial Administrative Structure:
  • Divided empire into 47 Sarkars (headed by Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran and Munsif-i-Munsifan) and further into Parganas (headed by Shiqdar, Amin, Fotadar, and Karkuns).
• 2. Revolutionary Land Revenue System (Zabti):
  • Measured cultivable land using the standard Sikandari Gaz (32 digits); classified land into Good, Middling, and Bad; fixed revenue at $1/3 ext{rd}$ of average yield; issued Patta and Qabuliyat deeds.
• 3. Currency and Monetary Reforms:
  • Abolished debased mixed coins; introduced the pure standard silver coin called the Rupiya (178 grains)—which formed the bedrock of Indian currency through British rule into modern times—and the copper Dam (380 grains).
• 4. Grand Infrastructure & Public Works:
  • Constructed the monumental Sadak-e-Azam (Grand Trunk Road / GT Road) from Sonargaon (Bengal) to Peshawar (2,500 km), lined with shaded trees, wells, and 1,700 comfortable Sarais (inns).
• 5. Military and Judicial Reforms: Revived Alauddin's Dagh (horse branding) and Chehra (descriptive roll); strictly enforced strict local police responsibility for crimes.