1. Background: Weakening of the Mughal Empire

Decline of the North-West Frontier Defence

• Under Aurangzeb, the north-west frontier (Kabul–Ghazni region) was well defended.
• Tribal chiefs were paid regular subsidies.
• Strong intelligence and communication existed between Kabul and Delhi.

Post-1707 Deterioration

• After Prince Muazzam left Kabul (1707):
  • Administration became corrupt and careless
  • Soldiers’ salaries remained unpaid for years
  • Tribal subsidies were withheld
• Frontier provinces were neglected due to:
  • Favouritism in appointments
  • Jobbery and corruption
  • Indifference of the Mughal court

2. Nadir Shah: Rise to Power

Early Life

• Born in 1688 in Khorasan (Turkoman Afshar tribe)
• Originally known as Nadir Quli
• Rose from poverty through military skill

Role in Persia

• Persia was under Afghan domination after:
  • Capture of Isfahan (1722)
• Nadir expelled Afghans and restored Persian power
• Became Commander-in-Chief under the Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp

Becoming Shah of Persia

• In 1736, Nadir overthrew the Safavids
• Assumed title Nadir Shah
• Founded the Afsharid Dynasty

3. Afsharid Dynasty

• Established: 1736
• Founder: Nadir Shah
• Capital region: Khorasan
• The Empire at its peak extended over:
  • Iran, Afghanistan, parts of India (west of the Indus), the Caucasus
• Declined after Nadir Shah’s assassination (1747)

4. Causes of Nadir Shah’s Invasion of India

Immediate Causes

1. Afghan fugitives sheltered in Kabul & Ghazni
2. Mughal failure to honour promises
3. The attack and killing of Nadir’s envoy at Jalalabad
4. Discontinuation of Mughal–Persian diplomatic exchange

Fundamental Causes

• Ambition and the military expansionism of Nadir Shah
• Extreme weakness of the Mughal Empire
• Knowledge of India’s immense wealth
• Invitations and goodwill letters from discontented Mughal nobles
• Internal factionalism at the Delhi court

5. Course of the Invasion

Entry into India

• Ghazni captured: 11 June 1738
• Kabul captured: 29 June 1738
• Mughal governors surrendered without resistance
• Crossed the Indus at Attock
• Lahore subdued easily

6. Battle of Karnal (24 February 1739)

Mughal Side

• Emperor: Muhammad Shah
• Army: ~80,000 soldiers
• Leaders: Nizam-ul-Mulk, Saadat Khan, Khan-i-Dauran
• Poor coordination and rivalry

Persian Side

• Highly disciplined and experienced army
• Clear leadership under Nadir Shah

Outcome

• The battle lasted only 3 hours
• Khan-i-Dauran killed
• Saadat Khan captured
• Crushing Mughal defeat

7. March to Delhi & Sack of the City

• Nadir entered Delhi on 20 March 1739
• Khutba read, and coins struck in Nadir’s name
• Rumour of Nadir’s death led to an uprising
• Nadir ordered a general massacre
  • ~30,000 people killed
• Stopped only after Muhammad Shah’s request

8. Loot and Return

Enormous Booty

• ~30 crores rupees in cash
• Gold, silver, jewels
• Peacock Throne
• Animals and skilled artisans were taken to Persia

Territorial Losses

• Mughal territories west of the Indus surrendered:
  • Kabul
  • Kashmir
  • Sindh
• Annual tribute from Punjab

Political Arrangement

• Muhammad Shah was restored as the Mughal emperor
• Mughal sovereignty became symbolic

9. Peacock Throne

• Built by Shah Jahan
• Located in Diwan-i-Khas, Red Fort
• Adorned with emeralds, rubies, and diamonds
• Taken to Persia by Nadir Shah
• Destroyed after his death (1747)

10. Impact of Nadir Shah’s Invasion

On the Mughal Empire

• Complete loss of prestige
• Severe financial ruin
• Breakdown of north-west defence
• Increased exploitation of peasants
• Intensified noble factionalism

Long-Term Consequences

• Exposed India to repeated Afghan invasions
• Encouraged Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748–1767)
• Strengthened:
  • Marathas
  • European trading companies