What steps did Sher Shah Suri take to promote trade and commerce?

Sher Shah Suri took the following steps to promote trade and commerce in his empire:

1.    Peace, law and order : Trade and commerce can thrive in a country only if there is peaceful environment. Hence, Sher Shah Suri inflicted severe punishment on unsocial elements and men comprising sinful propensities. He kept a strict watch over the Jagirdars lest they should rise in revolt against him in their own regions falling in unison with unsocial elements. So the businessmen indulged in their trade fearlessly.

2.    Construction of big roads : In order to connect one part of his empire with the others, he got a network of roads constructed. These roads connected Sonargaon with Attok; Agra with Chittor, Agra with Deccan and Agra with Multan.

3.    Protection on roads : Sher Shah Suri appointed detectives all through his empire. He was the first ruler who established the police department. The unsocial elements and robbers were strictly dealt with. On account of this fear, the offence were reduced to the minimum.

4.    Incentive to trade : To give incentive to trade he got good roads constructed. The Grand Trunk Road serve as the royal path even this day. He got the trees planted on both sides of the roads and got the wells sunk for drinking water. He got the travellers inns constructed on road sides on several places for the convenience of businessmen where he could safely spend the night. There was separate inns for Hindus and Muslims.

5.    New land system : He introduced the ‘Ryotwari’ system eliminated the mediating landlords. The farmers now had direct link with the government. He got the entire land measured through Todarmal and made three divisions of entire land. These were the lands of first, second and third grade. Revenue was levied on the basis of yield. One-third of the total produce was given to the state as land revenue. The farmers were free to make the payment of the land revenue in cash or kind.