On This Day
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Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri crowned ruler of Hindustan

Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit. 'the Just King'), was the Sultan of Hindustan, as the first Sur Emperor, from 1540 until his death in 1545.

Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit. 'the Just King'), was the Sultan of Hindustan, as the first Sur Emperor, from 1540 until his death in 1545. Prior to his ascension, he also served as the ruler of Bihar (1530–1540) and Bengal (1538–1540). He established the Sur Empire after defeating the Mughal Empire and declaring Delhi his seat of power. The influence of his innovations and reforms extended far beyond his brief reign, being recognized as one of the greatest administrative rulers in India.

Historical Significance

Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit.

Events Before

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  2. English King Henry VIII marries Anne of Cleves, his 4th wife

    Anne of Cleves (German: Anna von Kleve; 28 June or 22 September 1515 – 16 July 1557) was Queen of England from 6 January to 12 July 1540 as the fourth wife of Henry VIII.

  3. Emperor Charles receives Cardinal Pole in Toledo

    Emperor Charles receives Cardinal Pole in Toledo

  4. Jews of Tyrnau, Hungary (Trnava, Czechia) are expelled

    Jews of Tyrnau, Hungary (Trnava, Czechia) are expelled

  5. Charles, protestant German monarch, signs Treaty of Frankrfurt

    Charles, protestant German monarch, signs Treaty of Frankrfurt

Events After

  1. William, Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg marries Jeanne d'Albret, daughter of King Henry II of Navarre - against her will, s

    William, Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg marries Jeanne d'Albret, daughter of King Henry II of Navarre - against her will, she has to be carried to the altar (marriage annulled 1545)

  2. Michelangelo finishes painting "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City [1]

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  4. Santiago, Chile founded by Pedro de Valvidia (or 2/12)

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  5. Ignatius of Loyola becomes the first Superior General of the Jesuits

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 17, 1540?
Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit. 'the Just King'), was the Sultan of Hindustan, as the first Sur Emperor, from 1540 until his death in 1545. Prior to his ascension, he also served as the ruler of Bihar (1530–1540) and Bengal (1538–1540).
Why is Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri crowned ruler of Hindustan significant?
Sher Shah Suri, also known by his title Sultan Adil (lit.

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May 17 in HistoryYear 1540