The Battle of Kalinjar 1545
with Sher Shah Suri

The Battle of Kalinjar (1545): A Turning Point in Indian History

The Battle of Kalinjar, fought in 1545, marked a significant moment in the history of India, particularly concerning the power dynamics between the Rajputs and the emerging Afghan rulers under Sher Shah Suri. This battle not only led to the fall of a crucial stronghold but also set the stage for the eventual rise of the Mughal Empire following Sher Shah's death.

Historical Context

Kalinjar Fort, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was originally a stronghold of the Chandela dynasty, renowned for its architectural grandeur and strategic significance. The fort had previously withstood invasions, including an attack by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1023 and various assaults during the medieval period. By the 16th century, however, the fort's defenses were put to the test against Sher Shah Suri, an ambitious ruler who sought to consolidate his power and expand his territory.

Prelude to the Siege

In 1544, Sher Shah began his siege of Kalinjar as part of his campaign to establish dominance over northern India. The fort was defended by Raja Karan Singh, who had refused to surrender Bir Singh Deo Bundela, a fugitive seeking refuge within its walls. This refusal incited Sher Shah's wrath and prompted him to lay siege to Kalinjar, which would last for several months. The fort’s formidable defenses included high walls and a strategic location atop a hill, making it a challenging target for besieging forces[2][4].

The Siege

Sher Shah's forces employed various tactics during the siege, including blockades and bombardments aimed at breaching the fort's walls. Despite these efforts, the defenders held out against repeated assaults. The siege intensified as supplies dwindled for both sides, leading to desperation among Sher Shah’s troops. Reports indicate that during one of these assaults on May 22, 1545, Sher Shah was severely injured when a shell exploded in his vicinity, causing fatal burns[1][3][4].

Sher Shah's Death

The circumstances surrounding Sher Shah's death are somewhat ambiguous. Some accounts suggest that he was struck by a shell that ricocheted off the fort’s walls and ignited a cache of gunpowder near him. Despite being gravely wounded, he continued to command his troops until he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to his tent[4][5]. His last words reportedly expressed gratitude for the fort's eventual capture.

Aftermath and Significance

The death of Sher Shah Suri during the siege led to immediate chaos within his empire. His son, Jalal Khan (later known as Islam Shah Suri), succeeded him but faced significant challenges in maintaining control over the territories Sher Shah had conquered. The fall of Kalinjar not only extinguished the Chandela dynasty but also shifted power dynamics in northern India, paving the way for Mughal resurgence under Akbar later in 1569 when they captured Kalinjar from its new rulers[3][5].

The battle is often viewed as a pivotal moment that altered the course of Indian history. Had Sher Shah survived, it is speculated that he might have further solidified Afghan rule and delayed Mughal ascendance. Instead, his death precipitated a series of conflicts that ultimately allowed Akbar to establish one of the most powerful empires in Indian history.

Conclusion

The Battle of Kalinjar is emblematic of the turbulent period in Indian history characterized by shifting allegiances and power struggles among regional rulers. It highlights not only military strategy and bravery but also underscores how individual leaders could dramatically influence historical trajectories through their actions and decisions. 

The legacy of Kalinjar Fort continues to resonate as a symbol of resistance and change within India's rich tapestry of history.

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalinjar_Fort 

[2] https://www.kalinjarfort.com/history/kalinjar-fort-history-sir-alexander-cunningham 

[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/travel/walls-of-the-kalinjar-fort-changed-history/articleshow/10585814.cms 

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sher_Shah_Suri 

[5] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sher-Shah-of-Sur 

Neelesh Chatterjee Writes about Sher Shah Suri at Kalinjar

Sher Shah groaned in pain. Sure, the hakims were trying their best, but Sher Shah knew he didn't have much time left. He was scorched all over, and he felt the icy jaws of death closing in on his burnt body. With a feeble voice, he pronounced what he knew would be his last order to his soldiers: Come hell or high water, they were to seize the fort of Kalinjar before their Sultan breathed his last.

The dying king's exhortation had a dramatic effect on the troops — a contemporary writer, Badayuni, says that on hearing Sher Shah's words, "the Afghan amirs worked harder and behaved with the utmost gallantry, and coming to close quarters with the garrison, brought matters to a fight with knife and dagger and did full justice to the demands of endeavour and manliness." Straining every nerve, the Afghans pulled off a miracle: Kalinjar was stormed in only a few hours.

The glad tidings were immediately rushed to Sher Shah. A thin smile broke out on his tired face, and a cry of satisfaction escaped his lips. "Alhamdulillah!" he said. "This was my very desire."

Sher Shah never spoke again. The man who was wont to make history with every move had passed into the realm of history. The Afghan sun had set. Sher Shah Suri was dead.

(Reference: Makhzan-i Afghani, by Khwaja Niamatullah

Courtesy: Neelesh Chatterjee
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