Sher Shah Suri - Conquering Bihar and Bengal

Conquering Bihar and Bengal

Farid Khan started his service under Bahar Khan Lohani, the Mughal Governor of Bihar. Because of his valor, Bahar Khan rewarded him the title Sher Khan (Tiger Lord). After the death of Bahar Khan, Sher Khan became the regent ruler of the minor Sultan, Jalal Khan. Later sensing the growth Sher Shah's power in Bihar, Jalal sought assistance of Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah, the independent Sultan of Bengal. Ghiyasuddin sent an army under General Ibrahim Khan. But, Sher Khan defeated the force at the battle of Surajgarh in 1534. Thus he achieved complete control of Bihar.

In 1538, Sher Khan attacked Bengal and defeated Ghiyashuddin Shah. But he could not capture the kingdom because of the sudden expedition led by Emperor Humayun to counter the new threat. In 1539, Sher Khan faced Humayun in the battle of Chausa. He forced Humayun out of India using bribery and trechery within Mughal ranks, turning generals an commanders against one another causing mass confusion, he marched on Delhi and coronated himself Sher Shah, and ascended the throne of Delhi in absence of the ulema علماء(arbiters of sharia law).

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