← Explore on the interactive map

Reign of Sher Shah Suri

Type Event Region India Time 1540–1545

After the Battle of Kannauj in 1540, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri overthrew Humayun, founded the Sur Empire, and ruled North India until his death in 15…

Timeline

  1. c. 1540Kannauj · Uttar PradeshSher Shah defeated Mughal emperor Humayun at the Battle of Kannauj, then marched on Delhi and proclaimed himself sultan, ending Humayun's rule in India and opening the Sur Empire period.
  2. 1541–1545Bihar–Delhi axis · North IndiaSher Shah carried out land surveys and tax registration, unified the silver coin (rupiya), improved relay stations and the postal system, and built a highway network linking Bengal to Peshawar. These institutions were later absorbed and adapted by Akbar and other Mughal rulers, with far-reaching influence.
  3. c. 1545Kalinjar · Madhya PradeshIn 1545 Sher Shah was fatally wounded by a gunpowder explosion while besieging the Rajput fortress of Kalinjar. His brief but efficient rule left an institutional legacy for the Sur Empire and created a power vacuum that later enabled Humayun's restoration.

Sources