Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Sudden death of Sher Shah Suri
In 1545, after the accidental death of Sher Shah, his son Jalal Khan
succeeded him. Jalal Khan got the title of Islam Shah, commonly known as Salim
Shah. Islam Shah was as capable as his father and kept his father's kingdom
intact. He followed his father's reforms and kept the army intact.
Unfortunately, he ruled for only nine years. Following his death in November
1554, disorder followed. His minor son, Firuz Khan, was murdered by his maternal
uncle, Mubariz Khan, and there was total confusion in the empire. Mubariz Khan
took the throne and assumed the title of Muhammad Adil Shah.
Adil Shah was a worthless ruler. He left the affairs of the kingdom in the
hands of his chief minister Hemu. Hemu was a capable man but his ambition to
seize the throne did not draw his attention towards the disintegration of the
kingdom. There were revolts in various parts. Sher Shah's nephew Sikander Sur
declared himself independent in the Punjab.
Humayun re-conquers Delhi
This conflicting situation encouraged Humayun to make an attempt to restore
the lost empire after about fifteen years. He got an army of 14,000 men from
Persia and succeeded in conquering Kabul and Kandhahar with the help of Shah of
Iran in 1545. In November 1554, he marched to reconquer Hindustan, for which he
got an excellent opportunity in the civil wars among the surs. In February 1555,
Humayun captured Lahore and then occupied Delhi. Thus he got back partially what
he had lost due to his weakness. He appointed his son Akbar as governor of the
Punjab and left his gallant general Bairam Khan to assist the young prince.
However Humayun could not enjoy his success for a longer time. On January 24,
1556, Humayun fell from the staircase of his library in Delhi and died. His son
Akbar, who was only thirteen years old at that time, succeeded him.
