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⚔️ Medieval History Chapter 5: Afghan Rule & The Suri Empire (बिहार में अफगान राज्य एवं शेरशाह सूरी)

Module 3: Battle of Chausa (1539), Kannauj (1540) & Rebuilding Patna (1541)

📖 Chapter 5 of 6 🧩 Module 3 of 6 ⏱️ ~3 min read 💡 10 MCQs
Topic Part 1 of 2

Concept

Subtopic 3.1: Rout of Humayun, The Second Afghan Empire & The Foundation of Modern Patna

The epic military clashes that unseated the Mughal dynasty and restored Afghan sovereignty across India took place on the soil of Bihar and the Gangetic valley:

  • The Battle of Chausa (June 26, 1539):
    • While Mughal Emperor Humayun was returning from his prolonged campaign in Bengal, Sher Khan blocked his route at Chausa near Buxar on the banks of the Karmnasa and Ganges rivers.
    • After three months of tactical stand-off, Sher Khan launched a surprise night attack on June 26, 1539. The Mughal camp was routed; thousands perished, and Humayun escaped across the Ganges with the help of a water-carrier (Bhishti) named Nizam.
    • Title of Sher Shah: Following this momentous triumph, Sher Khan formally assumed the imperial sovereign title of Sher Shah Sultan-e-Adil, had the Khutba read, and minted coins in his royal name.
  • Battle of Bilgram / Kannauj (May 17, 1540): On May 17, 1540, Sher Shah engaged Humayun's reorganized army at Bilgram (Kannauj). Humayun's forces were routed without an artillery exchange. Following this decisive victory, Sher Shah re-established the Afghan Empire (Second Afghan Empire) in India, drove Humayun into exile, and ascended the imperial throne of Delhi.
  • Rebuilding Patna as Provincial Capital (1541 CE):
    • In 1541 CE, Sher Shah visited the ancient site of Pataliputra. Recognizing its strategic commercial and military geography along the Ganges, he ordered the construction of a massive fort and city at an expenditure of 5 lakh rupees, re-founding the city under the name "Patna" and making it the provincial capital of Bihar.
    • Textual Authority: The detailed description of Sher Shah's rebuilding of Patna and its declaration as the capital is preserved in the Persian chronicle "Tarikh-i-Daudi" composed by Abdullah.
⭐ Key Points
  • Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the Battle of Chausa (June 1539) and Battle of Kannauj/Bilgram (May 1540).
  • The Battle of Chausa in 1539 was fought between Sher Khan and Humayun.
  • After the victory at Chausa, Sher Khan assumed the title 'Sher Shah Sultan-e-Adil'.
  • The Afghan Empire was re-established after the Battle of Kannauj / Bilgram.
  • Sher Shah made Patna the provincial capital in 1541 CE at a cost of 5 lakh rupees.
  • The reconstruction of Patna and its fort by Sher Shah is described in the text 'Tarikh-i-Daudi' by Abdullah.
📌 One-line Q&A
  • Question: Between whom was the Battle of Chausa fought in 1539 CE? Answer: Sher Khan and Humayun.
  • Question: Which title did Sher Khan adopt after the victory at Chausa? Answer: Sher Shah Sultan-e-Adil.
  • Question: After which battle was the Afghan Empire re-established in India? Answer: Battle of Kannauj / Bilgram (1540 CE).
  • Question: In which year did Sher Shah make Patna the capital of Bihar? Answer: 1541 CE.
  • Question: In which text is the reconstruction of Patna by Sher Shah described? Answer: Tarikh-i-Daudi.
Topic
Questions

MCQs

Answer this question, then use Next.

Question 1: In 1539 CE, the Battle of Chausa was fought between whom?

The historic Battle of Chausa took place on June 26, 1539, between Sher Khan and Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Question 2: Which title did Sher Khan adopt after his decisive victory in the Battle of Chausa?

Sher Khan crowned himself and assumed the royal style 'Sher Shah Sultan-e-Adil' after Chausa.

Question 3: In which battle(s) did Sher Shah defeat Mughal Emperor Humayun?

Sher Shah defeated Humayun at Chausa (1539) and Bilgram/Kannauj (1540), driving him from Delhi.

Question 4: After which battle was the Afghan Empire re-established in India by Sher Shah?

Following the Battle of Kannauj (May 17, 1540), Sher Shah ascended the throne of Delhi.

Question 5: In which year did Sher Shah Suri refound Patna as the capital of Bihar?

Sher Shah recognized the geographical potential of the site and made Patna the provincial capital in 1541 CE.

Question 6: In which Persian chronicle is the reconstruction of Patna by Sher Shah described?

Abdullah's Tarikh-i-Daudi records Sher Shah constructing the fort of Patna on the bank of the Ganges.

Question 7: How much expenditure was incurred by Sher Shah in constructing the fort and city of Patna?

According to Tarikh-i-Daudi, Sher Shah spent 5 lakh rupees on the fort and city walls of Patna.

Question 8: In medieval times, who undertook the historic rebuilding of Patna as provincial capital? (BPSC 41st)

Sher Shah transformed Patna into the administrative capital of Bihar province in 1541 CE.

Question 9: At which location did Sher Shah defeat Humayun in the battle fought in June 1539?

The battle occurred at Chausa, situated on the banks of the Ganges near Buxar.

Question 10: Who was the water-carrier (Bhishti) who helped Humayun cross the Ganges to safety at Chausa?

Nizam, a humble water-carrier, saved Humayun with his leather water-bag and was later rewarded with a day's kingship in Delhi.
Question 1 of 10

One-liners

Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.

Between whom was the Battle of Chausa fought in 1539 CE?

Sher Khan and Humayun.

Which title did Sher Khan adopt after the victory at Chausa?

Sher Shah Sultan-e-Adil.

After which battle was the Afghan Empire re-established in India?

Battle of Kannauj / Bilgram (1540 CE).

In which year did Sher Shah make Patna the capital of Bihar?

1541 CE.

In which text is the reconstruction of Patna by Sher Shah described?

Tarikh-i-Daudi.
Question 1 of 5