Rise of Sher Shah Suri

Farid, who later came to be called Sher Khan and subsequently Sher Shah, was son of a Jagirdar under the kingdom of Jaunpur. His father Hasan Khan Sur held the jagir of Sasaram in Bihar during the rule of Lodis.

Sher Shah helped his father in the administration of his jagir. Later he developed differences with his father and left him. He served under Afghan nobles. After the death of his father in 1524 he was given his father’s jagir by Ibrahim Lodi. He had to enter into conflict with his family to take possession of the jagir.

He very effectively managed the Jagir of his father. He also acquired great military and administrative skills. His capabilities made him the leader of Afghans. He gradually increased his influence and defeated Sultan Mahmud Shah of Bengal. He emerged as the most powerful military commander in the eastern provinces.

Sher Shah continued consolidating his position in Bihar. He had to enter into a number of conflicts with prominent Afghan nobles in Bihar and ruler of Bengal. He finally succeeded in establishing himself as the most powerful Afghan chief in Eastern India.