Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 08:26 IST Sher Shah Suri, who ruled from 1540-1545, achieved remarkable feats. But do you know why he was called ‘Suri’? Explore the story behind the name Sher Shah Suri’s journey from a young boy in Bihar to Sultan of Delhi remains a timeless example of struggle, strategy, and vision. Some individuals in history have changed their fate through sheer effort, and Sher Shah Suri is one such name. Born as Farid Khan around 1486 in Sasaram, Bihar, he belonged to an Afghan family. His father, Hasan Khan Suri, was a small landlord in Bihar. Farid’s early life was challenging; his stepmother reportedly treated him poorly, prompting him to leave home. Seeking education and a better future, he moved to Jaunpur, then a major centre of learning. There, he studied Arabic and Persian, knowledge that later formed the foundation of his remarkable administrative skills. How Farid Khan Became Sher Khan After completing his studies, Farid Khan entered the service of Bahar Khan Lohani, the Afghan ruler of Bihar. During a hunting …