Nadir Shah’s invasion of India in the year 1739 broke the back of the Mughal Empire.
The Mughals, who ruled India for 331 years, are still a subject of research. Even when he was at the peak of power, he was in the news, even when he died, declined, he was in the news even then. One such incident is still discussed today, when Emperor Nadir Shah of Iran shook the foundation of Mughal power and looted a lot of wealth. This was the period when Aurangzeb had died. At that time there was the rule of Muhammad Shah.
Nadir Shah’s invasion of India and plunder from the Mughals is considered one of the most destructive events in Indian history. This attack in the year 1739 not only broke the back of the Mughal Empire, but also handed over the immense wealth of India into foreign hands.
Today when there is unrest all around in Iran. When people are on the streets in the country, it would be interesting to know how the King of that country, Nadir Shah, could have traveled such a distance and attacked India and looted it. What all might have been looted? Whenever Indian Mughal history is discussed, the attack of Nadir Shah is highlighted in an important way. Come, let us know what all Nadir Shah looted?
Nadir Shah’s attack
At the beginning of the 18th century the Mughal Empire was on its decline. After Aurangzeb’s death, wars of succession and weak rulers hollowed out the empire. In 1739, Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia (Iran), attacked India. The army of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah ‘Rangeela’ was badly defeated in the battle of Karnal. After this Nadir Shah entered Delhi. At the same time a rumor spread that Nadir Shah had been killed and the Persian army was retreating.
Nadir Shah.
In such a situation, the public attacked the soldiers of the Persian army. The truth was that Nadir Shah had won the war in Karnal, his enthusiasm had increased. When he received information about his death, he ordered a massacre, in which thousands of innocent people were killed. After this, the looting started which made Delhi poor.
Peacock Throne (Takht-e-Taous)
One of the most valuable things looted by Nadir Shah was the Peacock Throne or ‘Takht-e-Taus’ built by Shah Jahan. This throne was a symbol of Mughal grandeur. It took seven years to build this throne and it was studded with huge amounts of gold and precious gems. According to historians, its value at that time was in crores of rupees. It was studded with emeralds, rubies, diamonds and pearls. There were two peacocks carved on its upper part, whose tails were decorated with gems. Nadir Shah took it with him to Iran. Later it was broken and its gems were used in other jewellery, but even today it is considered the biggest loot of the Mughal period.
The peacock throne built by Shahjahan is called ‘Takht-e-Taus’. Photo: Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images
kohinoor diamond
The world’s most famous diamond ‘Kohinoor’ was also a part of Nadir Shah’s loot. It is said that Nadir Shah came to know that Muhammad Shah had hidden a priceless diamond in his turban. Nadir Shah cleverly proposed the ceremony of changing the turban and thus the Kohinoor came into his hands. When Nadir Shah saw this shining stone for the first time, the word Koh-i-Noor came out of his mouth, which means Mountain of Light in Persian. Along with Kohinoor, he also looted another huge diamond named Dariya-e-Noor (Daria of Noor).
The Kohinoor diamond of the Mughals is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
gold, silver and cash
Nadir Shah had completely emptied the royal treasury of Delhi. He looted a huge amount of gold and silver coins from the Mughal treasury. It is estimated that he looted cash and coins worth approximately Rs 70 crore. Gold and silver utensils, inlaid swords, shields and precious jewelery of royal women were also looted from the royal kitchens and palaces. Nadir Shah not only looted the royal treasury but also collected heavy fines from the nobles, traders and common people of Delhi. Those who were unable to pay the money were harassed.
elephants, horses and camels
Nadir Shah needed thousands of animals to carry the looted goods. He took with him hundreds of trained elephants, which were used in warfare and carrying heavy goods. Thousands of horses and camels of the best breed from the Mughal stables were also taken to Persia. It is said that the loot was so huge that a convoy of thousands of camels and horses was several miles long to carry it.
craftsmen and slaves
Nadir Shah wanted to take with him not only the wealth but also the talent of India. He captured hundreds of masons, carpenters, stone carvers and musicians and took them to Iran so that they could build Mughal style buildings and artefacts there too. Thousands of beautiful women and men were taken as slaves to Persia.
Red Fort.
loot effect
This plunder of Nadir Shah had an impact on both India and Iran. This plunder completely devastated the Mughal Empire economically. After this the Mughals were never able to recover and gradually the regional powers and later the British became dominant. Nadir Shah had taken so much wealth that after returning to Iran, he waived the taxes of the people there for three years. India lost forever a large part of its art and splendor accumulated over centuries.
The plunder of Nadir Shah was not just the plunder of wealth, but it was the story of the humiliation and fall of a great empire. Jewels like Peacock Throne and Kohinoor still remind us of the splendor that was once the pride of India. This treasure taken by Nadir Shah is still counted among the biggest historical loots in the world.
Also read: How Guru Har Rai became Aurangzeb’s enemy by helping Dara Shikoh? Read the story of enmity with the Mughals