The opponents of the Mughals were not always unified. The two main opponents of the Mughals, the Rajputs and the Afghans, had enmity among themselves. Of them the Afghans of Bihar led by Sher Khan was the most important political rival of Humayun. In fact, on two consecutive occasions Humayun had lost to Sher Khan. After losing the battle of Chausa in Bihar in 1539 and again at Bilgram near Kanauj in 1540 Humayun had to flee from the country) In this period Shah Tahmasp of Persia gave shelter to Humayun. It was during this period of his exile that Akbar was born (c.1542) Meanwhile, Sher Khan became the emperor in Delhi-Agra and adopted the title "ShahAfter the death of Sher Shah, his son Islam Shah came to and returned to India. But he could not rule for long. He fell down from the stairs of the library in Delhi's Purana Qila and died.
Reforns of Sher Shah (1540-1545) :
There was close similarity between the administrative system, revenue system and welfare activities of Sher Shah, Alauddin Khilji and Akbar. Sher Shah introduced some reforms in the governance and revenue system.
Sher Shah gave patta to the peasants. In these pattas the name of the Peasant, his right in the land, amount of revenue etc. were written. The peasant on the other hand gave a kabuliyat to the government indicating his consent (kabul) to pay revenue. Sher Shah developed the roadways to improve communication. He constructed a road from Sonargaon in Bengal to Peshawar in the North West frontier. The road was called Sarak-i Azam. This road was later known as Grand Trunk Road Besides another road was constructed from Agra to Jodhpur and also to Chitor. Another road from Lahore to Multan was constructed.
• Many inns were set up beside the roads to help the traders and the travellers.
• Sher Shah developed the postal system by introducing horses. He also continued Dag and Hulia system to keep control over the army