Q. Match the following aspects of Sher Shah Suri’s governance with their key feature:
AspectKey Feature
1. Trade ReformsAbolition of all transit duties except for two levies, one at the point of entry and one at the point of sale.
2. Military ReorganisationIntroduction of the system of Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers) to prevent corruption.
3. Judicial EmphasisThe Sultan himself was the highest court of appeal, embodying the principle of Leniency and Clemency in dispensing justice.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct. Sher Shah abolished numerous local tolls, simplifying the customs system to encourage commerce by levying duty only at the border and at the final sales point.
- Pair 2: Correct. Sher Shah revived the rigorous military systems of branding (Dagh) and descriptive rolls (Chehra) first introduced by Alauddin Khalji.
- Pair 3: Incorrect. While the Sultan was the highest court of appeal, Sher Shah was known for his strictness and impartiality in dispensing justice, not necessarily leniency and clemency. His policy of “justice knows no kinship” meant severe punishment regardless of status.
