Which one of the following rulers adopted the title of ‘Hazrat-i-Ala’?

Concept

Medieval rulers used honorifics and regnal titles to express rank, legitimacy, or sovereignty. Such a title must be matched through historical usage, not inferred merely from a ruler’s fame or dynasty.

The Persian honorific “Hazrat-i-Ala” conveys the sense of an exalted or high personage.

Application

Historical accounts associate “Hazrat-i-Ala” with Sher Khan, who later ruled as Sher Shah Suri. Born Farid Khan, he established the Sur Empire after defeating Humayun and ruled northern India from 1540 to 1545.

Contrast

• Babur, born Zahir-ud-din Muhammad, founded Mughal rule in India in 1526.

• Akbar, formally Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, was a Mughal emperor who began his reign in 1556.

• Shah Jahan, born Prince Khurram, was the Mughal emperor from 1628 to 1658.

• Sher Shah, born Farid Khan and earlier known as Sher Khan, was the Sur ruler linked with the honorific in the question.

Result

Therefore, the ruler who adopted the title “Hazrat-i-Ala” was Sher Shah.