Study the picture and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the building in the picture. Where is it located?

(b) Was the person associated with this building a Mughal? Which dynasty’s rule was established by him in India?

(c) Mention any three characteristic features of his reign.

(d) Why is he known as forerunner of Akbar?

(a) The building in the picture is Tomb of Sher Shah Suri. It is located at Sasaram in Bihar.

(b) The person associated with the building was Sher Shah Suri who was an Afghan and not a Mughal. He overthrew the Mughals and established Afghan rule in India.

(c) The three characteristic features of reign of Sher Shah were:

1. Revenue reforms — He introduced a novel land revenue system which was also adopted by Akbar and later by British government.
2. Military reforms — His army was well trained and disciplined. He introduced many reforms in the army like branding of horses, identity (chehra) of soldiers. The soldiers were paid in cash.
3. Welfare measures — His administration was based on the principle of a welfare state. He built many roads to promote trades and also built sarais(rest houses).

(d) Sher Shah is known as forerunner of Akbar because Akbar adopted many of his practices. Akbar followed his administrative, revenue and military system with a few changes.