Sher Shah’s Parganahs and their administrative Officials
By H. N. Sinha
Summary
‘Sher Shah’s Parganahs and their Administrative Officials’ analyses the administrative structure of the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri’s empire. The article explains that Sher Shah divided his dominions into parganahs—sub‑districts responsible for revenue collection, law and order and military conscription. Each parganah was governed by a sheriff (šiqdār) and assisted by a munsif (judicial officer), amil (revenue officer) and several low‑level functionaries. Drawing on Persian chronicles and farmāns, the author details the duties of each official: the šiqdār maintained fortifications and kept the peace; the munsif heard disputes and ensured fair measurement of crops; the amil supervised tax assessment and collection. The article notes Sher Shah’s insistence on accurate surveys and standardised currency, which increased state income and reduced corruption. It also discusses the role of village headmen and patwaris (record keepers) who liaised between cultivators and state officials. The author argues that Sher Shah’s administrative innovations, including the construction of the Grand Trunk Road and caravanserais, facilitated trade and communication across parganahs. He concludes that the parganah system laid the groundwork for later Mughal administration, influencing Akbar’s revenue reforms. The article situates Sher Shah’s reforms in the broader context of Afghan statecraft and emphasises their lasting legacy in north Indian governance.
Conclusion
The author concludes that Sher Shah Suri’s parganah system represented a pragmatic balance between central authority and local administration. His careful selection of officials and emphasis on accountability created a stable revenue base and influenced Mughal practices, leaving a durable imprint on Indian bureaucracy.