Sher Mandal and Sher Garh: Architectural Marvels of Suri Period

The reputation of Sher Shah Suri as a builder and a patron of architecture can easily be justified through two structures i.e., Sher Mandal and Sher Garh. While both of these structures differ in their scale, size, location, utility, and techniques of construction, they also depict the different shades of Sher Shah’s personality.

Figure 1 Sher Mandal; Image Source - Wikipedia

Located in the Purana Quila or the Old Fort, Sher Mandal is believed to be the library of Humayun and it served as an astronomical tower during the rule of Sher Shah. Purana Quila or the Old Fort was an immensely strong and imposing structure, and the tales of its grandeur have been penned down by many historians, poets, and authors. Along with the Sher Mandal, the fort consisted of a residence of the governor, a beautiful mosque known as Qila-i-Kuhna, and other structures.

It is situated to the east of hamam and towards the south-eastern end of Purana Qila. There have been many debates as to who was the patron of this building. It is said that the tower was built by Sher Shah as a pleasure resort or an astronomical tower and the name Sher Mandal was first used by the historian Abdullah, author of Tarikh-i Da’udi, who described it as being left incomplete by the ruler. Several scholars and historians like Catherine Asher and Percival Spear believe the same. But many different assertions have been made that doubt the linkage of Sher Mandal or Qila-i-Kuhna to Sher Shah and connect it with Humayun.

In addition to the patronage debate, there have been a lot of disputes about its usage as well. Stephen Carr, the author of the gazetteer of 1876, discards the idea that it was a palace or even a flank tower. Several other historians have also noted that there are no indications of shelves or niches in the tower that justify its usage as a library. However, given its geographical position and other evidence, historians had proposed that it might have been an astronomical tower, known by the name of Saur Mandal which eventually became Sher Mandal.

As for its architecture, it is an octagonal tower of 18-metre height and is constructed of red sandstone. It is a double-storeyed structure with two narrow staircases connecting the ground floor with the upper floor and a single staircase connecting the upper floor with the terrace. Both storeys have eight alcoves, one on each side. Ornamentation of a 12-pointed star, marble inlaid motifs, glazed tiles, and incised stucco can be seen in the building.

One of the major associations of this structure is with the death of Emperor Humayun. The structure was believed to have been used by Humayun as his library. On 20th January 1556 (some accounts say 24th January), when he was descending the steps, he slipped and fell. Due to an injury to his temple, he died three days later.

Contrary to Sher Mandal , Sher Garh is completely different in terms of scale or usage and it depicts a different side of Sher Shah. While Sher Mandal appealed to the artistic side of the ruler, Shergarh showcased his military finesse.

Shergarh is situated in an area of ​​six square miles on a hill of a height of about 800 feet in the Kaimur range The fort is located at a distance of 20 miles southwest of Sasaram. It is said that its ancient name was Bhurkunda, where the Kharwar kings used to live. When Hasan Khan Sur got the jagir of Sasaram, then this fort also came under the limits of the Suris. Later the name of Sher Shah was associated with it. Presently, the fort is located along the banks of the Durgawati River and in a dense forest which makes its access difficult from the bottom of the plateau. From below one can only see the huge ramparts of the fort tied to the hill. Shergarh still has remnants of some structures such as Rani Pokhara, Guards Hall, underground circular well, Zenana Mahal or Diwan-E-Khas, and several underground rooms.

From the examples of Sher Mandal and Shergarh, it is evident that the different shades of Sher Shah’s personality were not just reflected through administrative and social reforms but through his architectural finesse as well. Ranging from buildings of utility and necessity to stately buildings and ornamental monuments, the reign of Sher Shah witnessed it all.

Figure 2 Sher Garh; Image Source – District of Rohtas website