Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 285

Delhi was plundered in 1739 by .....

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the 18th century and the invasions of Delhi.

Correct Answer: A) Nadir Shah.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The plunder of Delhi in 1739 is a significant event in the history of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the context of the Mughal Empire. Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, led a successful invasion of Delhi in 1739, which resulted in the city being plundered and a large amount of wealth being taken away. This event is crucial for understanding the political and social changes that occurred in the region during the 18th century.

Nadir Shah was a powerful military leader who had previously served under the Safavid Empire but had established his own rule by 1739. His invasion of Delhi was part of a larger campaign to expand his empire and secure control over the region. The Mughal Empire, which was already in decline, was unable to effectively resist the invasion, leading to the plunder of Delhi and the weakening of the Mughal rule.

The plunder of Delhi in 1739 had significant consequences for the Mughal Empire. It marked a turning point in the empire's history, as it lost much of its wealth and prestige. The event also led to a power vacuum in the region, which was subsequently filled by various regional powers and invaders, including Ahmed Shah Abdali, who invaded Delhi in 1756 and 1760.

Understanding the historical context of Nadir Shah's invasion and the plunder of Delhi is essential for comprehending the political and social changes that occurred in the 18th century. It is a key event in the history of the Indian subcontinent and is often tested in competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and Civil Services exams.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, invaded Delhi in 1739 and plundered the city, taking away a significant amount of wealth, including the famous Peacock Throne. This event marked a significant blow to the Mughal Empire's power and prestige.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded Delhi in 1756 and 1760, but the plunder of Delhi in 1739 was carried out by Nadir Shah. Ahmed Shah Abdali's invasions were later and part of a different historical context.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Safavids were a dynasty that ruled Persia (modern-day Iran) from the early 16th to the 18th century. While they were a significant power in the region, they did not directly invade Delhi in 1739. The invasion was carried out by Nadir Shah, who was a former commander of the Safavid Empire but had established his own rule by 1739.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, invaded Delhi in 1526, which is much earlier than the 1739 invasion by Nadir Shah. Babur's invasion marked the beginning of the Mughal rule in India, while Nadir Shah's invasion was a significant event in the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Mnemonic: Nadir Shah's name starts with 'N', think 'N' for 'Nadir' and 'N' for '1739' (Nadir's year).

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