Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 189

When did Nadir Shah attacked Delhi?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of Nadir Shah's reign and his major military campaigns.

Correct Answer: B) 1739

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia (modern-day Iran), invaded Delhi in 1739, which is a significant event in the history of the Indian subcontinent. This invasion is notable for several reasons, including the weakening of the Mughal Empire and the looting of the city, which included the famous Peacock Throne.

The Mughal Empire, which had been in decline for some time, faced a series of internal and external challenges. Nadir Shah, who had already conquered much of Persia and parts of Central Asia, saw an opportunity to expand his empire further into the Indian subcontinent. The Mughal Emperor at the time, Muhammad Shah, was unable to effectively resist the invasion due to the weakened state of the empire and internal conflicts.

The invasion of Delhi in 1739 was a turning point in the history of the Mughal Empire. Nadir Shah's forces captured the city and looted it extensively, taking away a vast amount of wealth, including the Peacock Throne, which was a symbol of the Mughal Empire's power and prestige. This event marked the beginning of the end for the Mughal Empire, as it never fully recovered from the invasion and subsequent looting.

Understanding the historical context of Nadir Shah's invasion is crucial for comprehending the decline of the Mughal Empire and the broader geopolitical changes in the region during the 18th century. The invasion of Delhi in 1739 is a key date that students of Indian history should be familiar with, as it represents a significant shift in the balance of power in the Indian subcontinent.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The invasion by Nadir Shah occurred in 1739, not 1740. This date is close to the correct year but does not align with historical records.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739, marking a significant event in the weakening of the Mughal Empire. Historical records confirm this date as the year of the invasion.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The invasion by Nadir Shah took place in 1739, not 1742. This date is later than the actual event and does not correspond to the historical timeline.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The invasion by Nadir Shah occurred in 1739, not 1746. This date is significantly later than the actual event and does not align with historical records.

Mnemonic: Remember "Nadir's Raid in '39" for the year 1739.

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