The famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan was taken away in 1739 bya)Af...
The Peacock Throne was a famous jewelled throne that was the seat of the Mughal emperors of India. It was commissioned in the early 17th century by emperor Shah Jahan and was located in the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences) in the Red Fort of Delhi. The original throne was subsequently captured and taken as a war trophy in 1739 by the Persian emperor Nadir Shah, and has been lost since.
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The famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan was taken away in 1739 bya)Af...
The famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan was taken away in 1739 by Persian invader Nadir Shah.
In 1739, the Persian invader Nadir Shah attacked the Mughal Empire under the reign of Muhammad Shah. During this invasion, Nadir Shah successfully captured the famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan, among other treasures.
Background:
- The Peacock Throne was a magnificent throne commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was completed in 1635 and was named after its elaborate decorations, including peacock motifs and precious gems.
- The throne was made of gold, encrusted with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. It was considered one of the most valuable treasures in the world at that time.
Nadir Shah's Invasion:
- Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, was known for his military prowess and ambition. He had already established his dominance in Persia and had set his sights on the wealth and resources of the Mughal Empire.
- In 1738, Nadir Shah invaded Afghanistan and quickly defeated the Afghan ruler, Shah Mahmud. He then turned his attention towards the Mughal Empire, which was weakened by internal conflicts and political instability.
- In March 1739, Nadir Shah's army reached Delhi, the capital of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, recognizing the overwhelming strength of Nadir Shah's forces, agreed to meet him and negotiate a peace treaty.
- However, Nadir Shah had no intention of making a peaceful settlement. During the negotiations, he suddenly ordered his troops to attack the Mughal forces and capture the city.
- The invasion resulted in widespread destruction and looting. Nadir Shah's troops plundered the city, seizing vast amounts of wealth, including the Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan.
Aftermath:
- The capture of the Peacock Throne was a significant blow to the Mughal Empire, symbolizing the decline of their power and prestige. Nadir Shah's invasion also marked the end of Mughal dominance in the region.
- Nadir Shah returned to Persia with the Peacock Throne and other treasures, leaving the Mughal Empire in a state of disarray. The empire would continue to decline in the coming years, eventually succumbing to British colonial rule.
- The fate of the Peacock Throne after it was taken to Persia remains a subject of speculation. Some believe that it was dismantled and its precious stones were sold individually, while others suggest that it was destroyed during subsequent conflicts in Persia.
In conclusion, the famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan was taken away in 1739 by the Persian invader Nadir Shah during his invasion of the Mughal Empire. This event had significant implications for the Mughal Empire and marked the decline of their power in the region.
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