U- 4: MUSLIM AND NON –MUSLIM RELATIONS’ STUDY OF SOORI REGIME

مسلم اور غیر مسلم تعلقات سوری عہد کاخصوصی مطالعہ

Abstract

The Suri dynasty ruled the subcontinent for a total of 15 years with the four rulers. But this government of the Suri dynasty did not last long as neither the successors of Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545) nor his Pathan emperors who preferred their personal interest over higher interests proved worthy. Sher Shah belonged to the Pathan tribe of "Sur" so he became known in history as Sher Shah Suri. After Sher Shah Suri only his son Islam (Saleem) Shah Suri (1545-1554) succeeded ruled for nine years. Sher Shah Soori established his strong government in a short span of five years. By the time of his death, his government had been established in the entire northern subcontinent. This was no small task but there was a system of government on the basis of which the Mughals established their strong and lasting empire. Sher Shah Soori was a man of military prowess who did many useful things during his reign. As he measured the agricultural land of the whole country and fixed the levies, he improved the road system, and built major roads with four-mile distances, built inns, and planted shady trees. The management of the post office was so good that the news of Bengal reached the king on the third day. In order to improve income, one third of the revenue was taken and it was up to the farmers to decide whether to pay the tax in money or in kind of crop. He enacted a law that in the area where the robbery took place and the robbers were not arrested, all the property they had taken should be brought from the area where the robbery took place. As a result, the incidents of robbery ended. Sher Shah Soori treated Muslim and non-Muslims equally. He gave high positions to the non-Muslims and tried to maintain peace and order in the country. Many non-Muslims studied Persian and got government jobs in northern India like Deccan.  Non-Muslims under the Suri era were not despised as foes; but they were given positions of responsibility.