Nadir Shah’s Victory in Battle of Karnal ended Mughal Power in India

Context: The Battle of Karnal, fought on February 24, 1739, was a decisive battle that marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire’s final decline.

About the Battle of Karnal 1739

• Battle of Karnal was fought between Nadir Shah (Ruler of Afsharid dynasty, Persia) and the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah on February 24, 1739.
• The battle took place near Karnal (in present-day Haryana) and lasted less than three hours, resulting in a crushing defeat for the Mughals.

Outcome

• Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah was taken captive by Nadir Shah.
• Nadir Shah sacked Agra and Delhi and carried the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor to Persia.

Background of the Battle

By the early 18th century, the once-powerful Mughal Empire had significantly weakened due to internal corruption, incompetent leadership, and external invasions. Emperor Muhammad Shah was ruling, but his administration was inefficient. Meanwhile, Nader Shah, the ruler of Persia, sought to expand his empire and secure his eastern frontiers.

Nader Shah demanded that the Mughal emperor expel Afghan rebels who had taken refuge in India. When Muhammad Shah failed to act, Nader Shah launched an invasion, advancing rapidly through Punjab and into Mughal territory.

• The Mughal forces, commanded by Khan Dauran and Sa’adat Khan, set up camp near Karnal (in present-day Haryana).
• On February 24, 1739, Nader Shah launched a surprise attack using superior military tactics, including swift cavalry movements and concentrated artillery fire.
• The Mughal army, despite its size, was overwhelmed and suffered heavy casualties due to poor leadership and a lack of coordination.
• In just three hours, the Mughal forces were decisively defeated.

Significance

• Mughal Empire never recovered from this defeat and continued to decline.
• Regional powers (Marathas, Jats, Sikhs and Afghans) gained strength, while the Mughals lost authority.
• The British East India Company later filled the power vacuum, leading to the eventual end of Mughal rule in 1857.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Nader Shah entered Delhi in March 1739 and looted the city for several weeks.
• The infamous Sack of Delhi resulted in massacres and plundering, causing devastation to the Mughal capital.
• The Persians took an immense amount of wealth, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Peacock Throne, and enormous treasures.
• The Mughal Empire never recovered from this defeat, marking the beginning of its decline, with regional rulers like the Marathas, British, and others eventually taking control of its territories.

Sharing is caring!