Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
Sher Shah Suri (1486–1545) was the founder of the Suri Empire in North India. His reign, though short (1540–1545), marked a significant interruption in Mughal rule and established an administrative framework that deeply influenced subsequent Indian empires.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Sher Shah Suri successfully challenged the Mughal authority. He defeated Emperor Humayun in two decisive battles: the Battle of Chausa (1539) and the Battle of Kannauj or Bilgram (1540). These defeats forced Humayun into exile for 15 years, allowing Sher Shah to establish the Suri Dynasty.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Sher Shah Suri is historically regarded as the "Forerunner of Akbar" regarding administration. His reforms in land revenue (Zabti system), currency (introduction of the Rupiya), and infrastructure (Grand Trunk Road) were not rejected but rather adopted and refined by Akbar. Raja Todar Mal, who later became Akbar’s finance minister, had earlier worked under Sher Shah and carried forward his revenue assessment methods.
Key Takeaway
Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun to establish the Suri Empire, and his administrative innovations, particularly in land revenue and currency, served as the blueprint for the Mughal administration under Akbar.