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“The roads and caravanserais built by Sher Shah were the ‘arteries of the Afghan Empire'” – Whose statement is this?
The influential statement was made by the renowned historian Kalikaranjan Qanungo. His biography of Sher Shah emphasizes the profound importance of the infrastructure projects. Qanungo viewed the extensive network of roads—most famously the Grand Trunk Road—and the 1,700 or so caravanserais (rest hoRead more
The influential statement was made by the renowned historian Kalikaranjan Qanungo. His biography of Sher Shah emphasizes the profound importance of the infrastructure projects. Qanungo viewed the extensive network of roads—most famously the Grand Trunk Road—and the 1,700 or so caravanserais (rest houses) as critical elements. These facilities ensured the swift movement of troops, facilitated trade and linked the various administrative centres, making them the essential “arteries” that pumped life and coherence into the Afghan empire.
See lessWho said, regarding Sher Shah’s village administration, “Even if a frail old woman, on the verge of death, were to travel with a basket full of gold ornaments on her head, no thief or robber would dare to approach her, because they know how severe a punishment Sher Shah would inflict for such a crime”?
The quote, which emphasizes the legendary security of Sher Shah's rule, was written by the Afghan historian Abbas Khan Sarwani. Sarwani's chronicle, the 'Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi', is the primary source for Sher Shah’s reign. The statement was used to illustrate how Sher Shah held local officials, the MuRead more
The quote, which emphasizes the legendary security of Sher Shah’s rule, was written by the Afghan historian Abbas Khan Sarwani. Sarwani’s chronicle, the ‘Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi’, is the primary source for Sher Shah’s reign. The statement was used to illustrate how Sher Shah held local officials, the Muqaddams (village headmen) and Chowkidars, personally responsible for all crimes committed within their jurisdiction. This strict system of accountability created an unprecedented sense of order and safety for travelers and villagers alike.
See lessWhat was the function of the ‘Kanungo’ in Sher Shah’s administration?
In Sher Shah's meticulous administration, the Kanungo was a crucial revenue official whose primary function was maintaining land records. Based in the Pargana, the Kanungo kept all the vital documents related to the ownership, classification and productive capacity of the agricultural land. This detRead more
In Sher Shah’s meticulous administration, the Kanungo was a crucial revenue official whose primary function was maintaining land records. Based in the Pargana, the Kanungo kept all the vital documents related to the ownership, classification and productive capacity of the agricultural land. This detailed record-keeping was absolutely necessary for the fair and effective implementation of Sher Shah’s land survey and revenue assessment system (Zabti), ensuring a stable income for the state and preventing fraud at the local level.
See lessWho was the ‘Fotdar’ in Sher Shah’s administration?
In the administrative structure established by Sher Shah, the 'Fotdar' was the Treasurer for the smallest major revenue division, the Pargana. His function was purely financial: to securely hold all the cash, coins and revenue collected from the area. The Fotdar worked alongside the Shiqdar (executiRead more
In the administrative structure established by Sher Shah, the ‘Fotdar’ was the Treasurer for the smallest major revenue division, the Pargana. His function was purely financial: to securely hold all the cash, coins and revenue collected from the area. The Fotdar worked alongside the Shiqdar (executive officer) and the Amin (revenue assessor). This clear separation of financial control (Fotdar) from executive control (Shiqdar) was a hallmark of Sher Shah’s efforts to prevent corruption and ensure administrative probity.
See lessWhich state in the Rajputana region was difficult to conquer and when it was finally conquered, Sher Shah inadvertently exclaimed, “Alas, I almost lost the kingdom of Hindustan for a handful of millet!”?
The difficult Rajput state to conquer was Marwar, under the control of Maldeo Rathore. Sher Shah faced the Rathores at the Battle of Sumel (Giri-Sumel) in 1544. To win, Sher Shah resorted to treachery, scattering false letters to sow dissension among Maldeo's commanders. After narrowly securing a viRead more
The difficult Rajput state to conquer was Marwar, under the control of Maldeo Rathore. Sher Shah faced the Rathores at the Battle of Sumel (Giri-Sumel) in 1544. To win, Sher Shah resorted to treachery, scattering false letters to sow dissension among Maldeo’s commanders. After narrowly securing a victory against the fierce resistance, Sher Shah made the famous statement, “Alas, I almost lost the kingdom of Hindustan for a handful of millet!” This reflects the high cost and near-fatal difficulty of conquering the determined Rajput forces.
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