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Sher Shah Suri, also known as Sher Khan, was the founder of the Suri Empire in North India. He was a brilliant military strategist and a skilled administrator who is remembered for his innovative land revenue system. However, his reign was cut short by his untimely death. In this article, we will explore the main reason of how did Sher Shah Suri die.
Table of Contents
Who was Sher Shah Suri?
Sher Shah Suri was one of India’s most brilliant rulers, known for his sharp administrative mind and military genius. Born as Farid Khan in the early 1480s in Sasaram, Bihar, he later earned the title “Sher Khan” after bravely killing a tiger with his bare hands. Eventually, he became known as Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Dynasty.
How Sher Shah Suri Died?
Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Empire, met a tragic and unexpected end during one of his military campaigns. Despite being a brilliant strategist and an able ruler, his life was cut short not by a sword, but by an accidental explosion.
The Battle of Kalinjar
One of the most widely accepted theories regarding the death of Sher Shah Suri is that he died as a result of injuries sustained during the Battle of Kalinjar in 1545. The conflict erupted between the forces of Sher Shah Suri and the Rajput Confederacy led by Raja Medini Rai of Kalinjar. The battle was fiercely contested, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties. According to historical accounts, Sher Shah Suri was hit by a stray cannonball during the battle, which led to his death. The injuries were so severe that Sher Shah Suri succumbed to them a few days later.
After the Battle of Kalinjar, Sher Shah Suri’s health began to deteriorate. Some accounts suggest that he succumbed to a fatal injury sustained during the conflict, while others claim that he fell victim to a sudden illness. Despite receiving medical treatment, Sher Shah Suri’s condition continued to worsen, eventually leading to his untimely demise in 1545.
Also Read – How Many Wives Did Akbar Have?
Timeline of Sher Shah Suri’s Final Days
Sher Shah Suri’s life came to a tragic end during one of his final military campaigns. Here’s a clear timeline of the key events leading up to his death:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early May 1545 | Sher Shah Suri begins the siege of Kalinjar Fort, ruled by the Rajputs. |
| Mid-May 1545 | The battle intensifies; with heavy use of artillery and gunpowder. |
| 22 May 1545 | The battle intensifies, with heavy use of artillery and gunpowder. |
| Later that day | The battle intensifies, with heavy use of artillery and gunpowder. |
| Post-22 May 1545 | The battle intensifies; with heavy use of artillery and gunpowder. |
Sher Shah Suri’s sudden death created a power vacuum and weakened the Suri Dynasty, eventually paving the way for the return of the Mughal Empire.
What Happened After His Death?
Although short-lived, Sher Shah’s reforms in administration, roads, and trade continued to influence Mughal governance and modern India.
- Sher Shah Suri died in 1545 during the siege of Kalinjar Fort after a gunpowder explosion fatally injured him.
- He was succeeded by his son, Islam Shah Suri, who struggled to maintain the same authority and efficiency.
- Internal power struggles and a lack of strong leadership began weakening the Suri Dynasty.
- Several rebellions and rival claimants to the throne created political instability.
- This instability gave Humayun (the Mughal emperor in exile) a chance to return and regain control over Delhi.
- By 1555, the Mughals re-established their rule in India, marking the end of the Suri Dynasty.
Legacy of Sher Shah Suri
- Introduced Administrative Reforms: Modernised revenue collection and land measurement, which were later adopted by the Mughals and British.
- Built the Grand Trunk Road: One of Asia’s oldest and longest roads, still used today for transport and trade.
- Developed Infrastructure: Constructed rest houses (sarais), wells, and roads to improve travel and communication.
- Issued Rupiya: Standardised currency called “Rupiya,” the basis of the modern Indian rupee.
- Promoted Justice: Established efficient courts and fair administrative systems for quick dispute resolution.
- Strengthened the Army: Maintained a well-organised standing army with proper salaries and branding (dagh system).
- Supported Religious Tolerance: Respected all faiths and ensured a relatively peaceful rule.
- Inspired Future Rulers: His governance style influenced Akbar and other Mughal emperors in building a stable empire.
Relevant Blogs
| Who Is The Father Of Akbar? | Who Killed Aurangzeb? |
| How Many Wives Did Akbar Have? | How Akbar Died? |
| How did Jahangir Die? | Muhammad Ghori |
FAQs
Sher Shah Suri died in May 1545 during the siege of Kalinjar Fort. His death was caused by an accidental gunpowder explosion. A rocket he fired ricocheted off the fort walls and landed in a pile of ammunition, leading to a fatal blast.
Sher Shah Suri was never decisively defeated in battle during his reign. He famously defeated the Mughal emperor Humayun in the Battle of Chausa (1539) and the Battle of Kannauj (1540), forcing Humayun into exile and establishing the Sur Empire.
Sher Shah Suri, after establishing the Sur Empire and implementing significant administrative reforms, died during the siege of Kalinjar Fort. He was severely burned in a gunpowder explosion and succumbed to his injuries, ending his short but impactful reign.
After the death of Sher Shah Suri, his second son, Islam Shah Suri, became the ruler of the Sur Empire. He continued some of his father’s administrative policies but faced internal revolts and external challenges, which gradually weakened the empire.
One major administrative reform by Sher Shah Suri was the standardisation of currency, introducing the ‘rupiya’ (rupee), which served as a precursor to modern Indian currency. He also improved roads, built sarais (rest houses), and enhanced land revenue administration.
This blog was all about how did Sher Shah Suri die? If you want to read more articles like this, you can get Short notes on the Modern History of India here. Also, you can visit our general knowledge page on Indian History!
