Muhammad Adil Shah

A coin of Muhammad Adil Shah

Muhammad Adil Shah (reigned: 1554-57^[1]) was the fourth ruler of the Sur dynasty, a late medieval Afghan dynasty of northern India.

Early life

He was the son of Sher Shah Suri's younger brother Nizam and the brother of Islam Shah Suri's queen Bibi Bai. His real name was Muhammad Mubariz Khan. He was responsible for the assassination of Firuz Shah Suri, the twelve year old son of Islam Shah Suri, in 1554 and ascended the throne as the last sultan of the united empire. He appointed Hemu as his Wazir. In 1555, Ibrahim Khan Suri, son of Ghazi Khan and Sultan's brother-in-law, who was in charge of Agra, revolted. He defeated the army of Adil Shah and captured Delhi. After this, he assumed the regal title of Ibrahim Shah Suri and it was not possible for Adil to defeat him. Soon, the empire founded by Sher Shah was divided into four parts. As Delhi and Agra came under the rule of Ibrahim Shah Suri, only the territories from the vicinity of Agra to Bihar remained under Adil. Ahmad Khan Suri, another brother-in-law of Adil, who took the title of Sikandar Shah Suri after declaring independence from Delhi, brought Punjab under his control. Muhammad Khan Suri, governor of Bengal also declared independence and took the title of Shams-ud-Din Muhammad Shah.^[1]

Conflict

Hostility did not end with the division of empire in 1555. After defeating Ibrahim at Farah, 32 km from Agra, Sikandar Shah Suri took possession of Delhi and Agra. Ibrahim renewed his strife with Adil, but he was defeated by Hemu twice, once near Kalpi and again near Khanua. He took refuge in the Bayana fort, which was besieged by Hemu. But, as Muhammad Shah of Bengal approached near Kalpi, Adil had to recall Hemu to Kalpi. Muhammad Shah was defeated at Chhapparghatta near Kalpi. Adil captured Bengal and appointed Shahbaj Khan as governor. He made Chunar his capital. Adil was finally defeated and killed in a battle with Khizr Khan Suri of Bengal in 1557.^[1]

Preceded by Firuz Shah Suri

Shah of Delhi 1553-1556

Succeeded by Ibrahim Shah Suri

See also

• Suri dynasty

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c} Majumdar, R.C. (ed.) (2007). The Mughul Empire, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ISBN 81-7276-407-1,pp.94-6

Persondata
Name	Muhammad Adil Shah
Alternative names
Short description	Fourth ruler of the Sur dynasty
Date of birth
Place of birth
Date of death	1557
Place of death