Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 195

Which invader took away Shah Jahan's famous peacock throne during the sack of Delhi?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the invasion of Delhi and the specific invader known for looting

Correct Answer: B) Nadir Shah.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, NDA, CDS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Peacock Throne, also known as Takht-e Tavous, was a symbol of the Mughal Empire's wealth and power. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and was completed in 1648. The throne was adorned with precious stones and was considered one of the most valuable artifacts of the Mughal era.

In 1739, Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia (modern-day Iran), invaded India and captured Delhi. This invasion was part of Nadir Shah's campaign to expand his empire and secure control over the region. During his conquest, Nadir Shah looted the Mughal treasury, which included the Peacock Throne. The throne was then taken back to Persia, marking a significant loss for the Mughal Empire and a turning point in its decline.

The invasion of Delhi by Nadir Shah was a major event in Indian history. It not only resulted in the loss of the Peacock Throne but also led to the weakening of the Mughal Empire's authority. The Mughal Emperor at the time, Muhammad Shah, was forced to pay a heavy tribute to Nadir Shah, which further depleted the empire's resources.

It is important to distinguish Nadir Shah's invasion from other invasions of Delhi, such as those by Ahmad Shah Abdali, who invaded India in the mid-18th century. Ahmad Shah Abdali is more commonly associated with the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, where he defeated the Maratha forces. Shivaji and Sambhaji, on the other hand, were Maratha rulers and were not involved in the invasion of Delhi that resulted in the looting of the Peacock Throne.

Understanding the historical context of Nadir Shah's invasion and the fate of the Peacock Throne is crucial for comprehending the decline of the Mughal Empire and the broader political landscape of 18th-century India. This event highlights the vulnerability of the Mughal Empire to external invasions and the significant impact such invasions had on the empire's wealth and power.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Ahmad Shah Abdali did not take the Peacock Throne. He invaded India later and was more associated with the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
  • Option B: Nadir Shah is the correct answer. He invaded Delhi in 1739 and looted the Mughal treasury, including the famous Peacock Throne.
  • Option C: Shivaji was a Maratha warrior and founder of the Maratha Empire, not an invader of Delhi who took the Peacock Throne.
  • Option D: Sambhaji was the son of Shivaji and a Maratha ruler, not an invader of Delhi who took the Peacock Throne.

Mnemonic: Nadir Shah, Not Ahmad, Stole the Throne

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