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How did Nadir Shah’s invasion of northern India weaken the Mughal Empire?
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Mughal dynasty
Emperors (from left, seated) Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan are depicted with their ministers (foreground) and Prince Dara Shikoh in a watercolor from India, c. 1630–40.
Nadir Shah’s 1739 invasion significantly accelerated the terminal decline of the Mughal Empire by exposing its profound military and administrative vulnerabilities. The invasion weakened the empire in several critical ways:12
- Military Collapse: The defeat at the Battle of Karnal demonstrated the obsolescence of the Mughal military, which proved no match for Nadir Shah’s disciplined forces. The loss of two chief commanders and the capture of Emperor Muhammad Shah shattered the prestige of the imperial throne.21
- Economic Devastation: Nadir Shah looted the capital, Delhi, seizing immense wealth, including the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-noor diamond, which drained the empire’s remaining financial resources.12
- Loss of Territory and Security: The forced cession of the province of Kabul removed a vital line of defense, leaving northern India exposed to future incursions, such as those by Ahmad Shah Durrani.1
- Political Paralysis: The invasion paralyzed the central government, emboldening regional powers like the Marathas and local adventurers to assert independence, further reducing the emperor’s authority to a symbolic presence.13