Global MCQ Practice

Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 383

..... administration became the model followed by Akbar the Great, when he consolidated the Mughal empire

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: D) Sher Shah Suri.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The administration of Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545) was a significant influence on the governance of Akbar the Great (1556-1605). Sher Shah Suri, who ruled for a brief period but made lasting contributions to the administrative and military systems of the region, implemented several reforms that were later adopted and expanded by Akbar.

One of the most notable reforms introduced by Sher Shah Suri was the establishment of an efficient tax collection system. He divided the empire into administrative units called sarkars and parganas, which facilitated better governance and tax collection. This system was later refined and expanded by Akbar, who introduced the Mansabdari system to manage the administration and military.

Sher Shah Suri also focused on improving the infrastructure of the empire. He constructed roads, rest houses, and bridges, which facilitated trade and communication. These improvements were continued and expanded under Akbar, who further developed the road network and established a system of post houses to improve communication across the empire.

In the military sphere, Sher Shah Suri reorganized the army and introduced a well-structured military organization. He divided the army into several units, each with specific roles and responsibilities. This military organization was also adopted and further developed by Akbar, who created a powerful and well-organized military force that helped consolidate the Mughal Empire.

While other rulers such as Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq also made significant contributions to the administrative and military systems of their times, it was Sher Shah Suri's reforms that were most directly influential on Akbar's governance. The efficient tax collection system, improved infrastructure, and well-organized military were key elements of Sher Shah Suri's administration that Akbar built upon to consolidate and expand the Mughal Empire.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Alauddin Khalji's administration was known for its military and economic reforms, but it was not the direct model for Akbar's governance. Alauddin Khalji's reign preceded Sher Shah Suri and Akbar by several decades.
  • Option B: Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, was more focused on establishing the empire rather than developing a comprehensive administrative system. His successors, particularly Akbar, built upon the foundations laid by Sher Shah Suri.
  • Option C: Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign was marked by ambitious but often unsuccessful reforms. His administrative policies were not as effective or influential as those of Sher Shah Suri, who came later and whose reforms were more systematically implemented.
  • Option D: Sher Shah Suri's administration became the model for Akbar's governance. Sher Shah Suri introduced significant administrative reforms, including an efficient tax collection system, road construction, and a well-organized military. These reforms were adopted and further developed by Akbar, contributing to the consolidation of the Mughal Empire.

Mnemonic: S-S: Sher Shah Suri's System

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