Humayun came to power at the age of 22; he was an inexperienced monarch. Humayun's worst enemies were the Afghans. They were the masters of Delhi only a few years ago, and they have not given up their desire to reclaim it. The most crucial and struggling time for Humayun was when he had to face Sher Shah Suri during the Bengal campaign. In this article, we will discuss the The Bengal Campaign and the Struggle with Sher Shah which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

The Bengal Campaign - Causes of Conflict

• Sher Shah Suri gradually became powerful as he captured most of Bengal. His power was increasing which frightened Humayun.
• Sher Shah cemented his authority in Bihar while Humayun was busy battling Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
• Sher Shah was the proud owner of Chunar's stronghold and had united the majority of the Afghan nobles under his banner.
• He assaulted Bengal twice and demanded a large sum of money from the ruler.
• Humayun knew that subduing Sher Shah was required.

Bengal Struggle

Humayun and Sher Shah met with each other two times, in Chunar and Chausa, during the Bengal Campaign.

Siege of Chunar (1532)

• Humayun was frightened by Sher Shah's success in Bengal and Bihar.
• Instead of heading straight to Bengal, where he could have enlisted the support of Bengal's monarch, Humayun spent six months besieging the fort of Chunar in Bihar, which was under Sher Shah's control.
• Sher Shah made a fully voluntary submission after seeing his weakness, and Humayun captured the fort of Chunar.

Battle of Chausa (1539)

• For approximately six years, there appeared to be no major confrontations between Sher Shah and Humayun. Sher Shah's position grew significantly during this time.
• Humayun travelled to Bengal on the behest of the ruler of Bengal and spent around eight months there in 1538.
• Sher Shah conquered a number of cities over these eight months, including Banaras, Sambhal, and others. Meanwhile, Hindal, Humayun's brother, declared himself Emperor of Delhi.
• Humayun chose to return from Bengal to Agra. Sher Shah, however, blocked his way at Chausa, the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border.
• For three months, the two armies stood facing each other. This created tension between both armies.
• Sher Shah devised a strategy at this point. He stated that he was going up against a tribal chief who had been disobeying him.
• In the early hours of June 26, 1539, after marching a few miles in that direction, he returned unexpectedly in the night and attacked Humayun's army from three sides. Humayun was wounded and lost the battle.
• To save his life, he threw his horse into a river and was saved from drowning by a water carrier. As a result, Sher Shah Suri declared himself a Sultan and captured West Bengal.

Causes of Defeat of Humayun and Sher Shah’s Success

• Humayun's inability to realize the essence of Afghan authority and lack of organizational skills.
• Sher Shah's diplomatic capitulation and Humayun's release of Chunar.
• Sher Shah’s strategic attack on Humayun and their army during the Battle of Chausa.
• Humayun wasted most of the time in celebration and procrastination.
• Humayun's army lacked command cohesion.

Conclusion

Sher Shah Suri was a prominent Afghan nobleman who desired to take control of Delhi and Agra. Humayun and Sher Shah Suri fought in the Second Afghan-Mughal war (1532-1540). He consolidated his stronghold in Bihar and Bengal while Humayun was engaged in conquering Gujarat. He also cut off Humayun's connection to Agra. The surprise onslaught of Sher Shah Suri's army defeated Humayun's men at the Battle of Chausa in 1539 CE. Sher Shah Suri claimed to be the king of Delhi and Agra.

FAQs

Question 1: Who was Sher Shah and what role did he play in the Bengal campaign?

Question 2: What were the reasons behind Sher Shah's Bengal campaign?

Question 3: How did Sher Shah defeat the Bengal Sultanate?

Question 4: What were the major administrative reforms introduced by Sher Shah after conquering Bengal?

Question 5: What was the legacy of Sher Shah’s Bengal campaign?

MCQs

1. Who was the ruler of Bengal when Sher Shah attacked the region?

A) Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni

B) Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah

C) Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish

D) Sultan Sikandar Lodi

2. What was the capital of the Bengal Sultanate that Sher Shah captured in 1539?

A) Delhi

B) Gaur

C) Agra

D) Lahore

3. What military tactic did Sher Shah use in his Bengal campaign?

A) Siege warfare

B) Guerrilla tactics

C) Naval warfare

D) Trench warfare

4. Which of the following was a major reform introduced by Sher Shah in Bengal after his conquest?

A) Introduction of a new currency system

B) Establishment of the Mughal Empire

C) Reorganization of the army

D) Introduction of the Manasabdari system

5. What was the primary reason for Sher Shah’s campaign in Bengal?

A) To expand his empire and control Bengal’s wealth

B) To spread Islam

C) To avenge the death of his father

D) To secure Bengal’s independence

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the strategies employed by Sher Shah to conquer Bengal and their impact on the Bengal Sultanate.

Answer: Sher Shah’s campaign against the Bengal Sultanate was a combination of military strategies, political maneuvering, and exploiting local weaknesses. He used guerrilla warfare, which was highly effective against the relatively weak and fragmented forces of the Bengal Sultanate. Sher Shah also formed alliances with local rulers, exploiting divisions within the Bengal court, which helped weaken the Sultanate from within. His victory in 1539, when he captured Gaur, led to the collapse of the Bengal Sultanate, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region. The fall of Bengal paved the way for Sher Shah to implement his administrative reforms, which included introducing the revenue system, currency reforms, and infrastructure development, which strengthened his control over the region and laid the foundation for the future Mughal Empire.

Q2: Discuss the long-term impacts of Sher Shah’s Bengal campaign on the political landscape of northern India.

Answer: The Bengal campaign had significant long-term impacts on northern India. After defeating the Bengal Sultanate, Sher Shah consolidated his power and extended his control over much of northern India, laying the foundation for the rise of the Mughal Empire under his successor Akbar. Sher Shah's administrative reforms, particularly in revenue collection, military organization, and road networks, significantly impacted the Mughal governance structure, which adopted many of his systems. His control over Bengal not only provided significant revenue for his empire but also secured the eastern frontier of northern India, which was crucial for trade and military purposes. Additionally, Sher Shah's policies ensured the economic prosperity of the region, which continued to influence future rulers.

Q3: Evaluate the significance of Sher Shah’s military and administrative strategies in the context of his Bengal campaign.

Answer: Sher Shah’s military strategies in the Bengal campaign were based on strong discipline, the effective use of cavalry, and guerrilla tactics, which allowed him to defeat the more established forces of the Bengal Sultanate. He also understood the importance of alliances with local rulers to weaken the Sultanate from within. Administratively, Sher Shah introduced reforms in Bengal, particularly in revenue collection. His land revenue system and standardization of currency helped improve state finances and facilitated the functioning of his empire. His creation of efficient communication networks through the building of roads and rest houses promoted trade and military mobility. These administrative reforms were carried forward by the Mughals, ensuring long-term stability in the region.

Previous Year Questions on The Bengal Campaign and Struggle with Sher Shah

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "How did Sher Shah Suri's Bengal campaign influence the political dynamics of northern India?"

Answer: Sher Shah Suri's Bengal campaign had a profound impact on the political dynamics of northern India. After defeating the Bengal Sultanate, Sher Shah established his control over the region, which became a crucial source of revenue for his empire. His victory allowed him to consolidate power in northern India, laying the foundation for his administrative reforms. The region’s strategic importance increased under his rule, and Sher Shah's military tactics, combined with his administrative innovations, helped stabilize his empire. His reign set the stage for the future success of the Mughal Empire by introducing policies that were later adopted by Akbar and other Mughal emperors.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "Analyze the impact of Sher Shah Suri's Bengal conquest on the Mughal Empire."

Answer: The Bengal conquest by Sher Shah Suri was a pivotal event in the political landscape of India. The fall of the Bengal Sultanate allowed Sher Shah to extend his territorial influence and implement a series of administrative reforms, particularly in revenue collection, military organization, and infrastructure development. These reforms influenced the Mughal Empire, especially under Akbar, who adopted many of Sher Shah’s systems. The Bengal region provided significant revenue to both Sher Shah and the Mughals, facilitating their control over northern India. Moreover, Sher Shah’s military successes paved the way for the Mughals to eventually consolidate their power over the subcontinent.