Medieval Bihar under Mughals & Sher Shah Suri
βοΈ Bihar During the Mughal Period
- Bihar was annexed into the Mughal Empire by Babur after the Battle of Ghaghra (1529 CE)
- Under Akbar, Bihar was integrated into the Subah system (15 provinces)
- Important Mughal governors: Raja Todar Mal, known for revenue reforms
- Bihar served as a strategic zone between Delhi and Bengal Subah
- Bihar's towns like Patna became major centres for textile and opium trade
π PYQ (BPSC): During Akbarβs reign, Bihar was part of which Subah? β Bengal Subah
π Rise of Sher Shah Suri in Bihar
- Born as Farid Khan in Sasaram, Bihar
- Took control of Bihar by defeating the Mughal governor and later defeated Humayun
- Established the Sur Empire (1540β1555 CE) with capital at Sasaram (Bihar) and later Delhi
π PYQ (BPSC): Sher Shah Suriβs birthplace? β Sasaram (Bihar)
π£οΈ Reforms of Sher Shah (Bihar Contribution)
- Introduced the Rupiya (silver coin), precursor to the modern rupee
- Reformed land revenue, postal system, police, and judiciary
- Built the Grand Trunk Road from Bengal to Punjab, passing through Bihar
- Developed Sarai (rest houses) every few miles; improved communication and trade
- His mausoleum in Sasaram is a fine example of Indo-Afghan architecture
π PYQ (DPSC): Which ruler introduced the Rupiya and developed GT Road? β Sher Shah Suri
π Bihar Under Later Mughals
- Bihar witnessed repeated conflicts between Mughals and Afghans
- In the 18th century, Bihar fell under the control of the Nawabs of Bengal
- After Battle of Buxar (1764), Bihar came under British East India Company
π Quick Revision Points
- Babur annexed Bihar after Battle of Ghaghra (1529)
- Akbar included Bihar in Bengal Subah
- Sher Shah Suri: Born in Sasaram, introduced Rupiya, built GT Road
- Sher Shah's mausoleum is in Sasaram (Indo-Afghan style)
- Patna became a Mughal trade hub (opium, textiles)
π Sources Used
- NCERT Class 7β12 β History
- Lucent GK β Medieval History
- Drishti Bihar Special Book
- Ghatna Chakra PYQ Digest
- EduTeria BPSC GS Compilations