Source: Indian Express

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Context

The Battle of Karnal, on February 24, 1739, saw Persian emperor Nadir Shah handing a crushing defeat to the forces of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila, effectively ending Mughal power in India

About Battle of Karnal                                                               

• The Battle of Karnal was fought on February 24, 1739 which marked decline of the Mughal Empire.
• Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’ was decisively defeated in a matter of hours by the Iranian ruler
• Nadir Shah.
• This battle showcased the military prowess of Nadir Shah.
• It also exposed the vulnerabilities of the Mughal Empire.
• This battle ultimately led to its eventual downfall.

Background of the decline of Mughal Empire

• The Mughal Empire reached its zenith under Akbar and later under Emperor Aurangzeb
• But began to decline since the death of Aurangzeb in 1707.

Factors contributing to this decline included

• internal strife
• heavy taxation on peasants
• military challenges from various regional powers
• the empire faced revolts, which strained its resources and weakened its authority.

Nadir Shah’s Invasion

• He conquered Kandahar in 1738 and then he aimed for India.
• His invasion began in late 1738, and he swiftly overcame several Mughal vassal states.
• The Mughal response was slow and ineffective, demonstrating the empire’s declining efficiency.

The Battle of Karnal

• The battle was fought at Karnal, with the Mughals fielding a massive force of 300,000 soldiers, including elephants and cannons.
• In contrast, Nadir Shah commanded a smaller, more disciplined army of 55,000.
• His strategic superiority and modern tactics led to a swift victory over the Mughals.

Aftermath of the Battle

Following the battle, Nadir Shah marched into Delhi and completely plundered the city.

The wealth taken from the Mughal treasury included

• Peacock Throne
• Koh-i-noor diamond

The empire gradually lost territory and power until its eventual dissolution by British forces in 1857.

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS