On the history trail: Nadir Shah invades Akhanda Bharat (The Battle of Karnal)

After Nizam-ul-Mulk faced another ignominious defeat at the hands of the astute Peshwa Bajirao, he made a hasty return to Delhi. He did not reveal the events that transpired at Bhopal and refused to proceed with the ratification of the terms of the agreement drafted on 7 January 1738 near Sironj.

 

In December 1738, the Maratha envoy Baburao Malhar wrote from Delhi, “I had an interview with the emperor who has exchanged solemn oaths of friendship with Nizam-ul-Mulk. Disconcerting news conveying Nadir Shah’s threats on account of some frontier disputes has disturbed the peaceful atmosphere of the court of Delhi.

 

Rumour has it that Saadat Khan and Nizam-ul-Mulk have conducted treacherous underhand parleys with Nadir Shah, instead of supporting the emperor in the measures that he was concerting to meet the danger.”

 

It became public knowledge that the two most influential officers of the Mughals had exerted themselves to win over the trust of Nadir Shah thereby exposing Akhanda Bharat and the capital city of Delhi to immeasurable danger and carnage. The two ministers continued to conceal the imminent threat at the border particularly Persia and instead invited their Muslim counterpart to attack Akhanda Bharat to reduce the power of the Marathas.

 

It is mentioned in several documents that the Muslim barbarian Nadir Shah declared himself as the true propitiator of Islam and claimed that the only true service and occupation of any Muslim is jihad. Historical records graphically describe his fanaticism and deep roots in Islamic fundamentalism.

 

It is evident from his court records that Nadir Shah plundered Akhanda Bharat to run away with an enormous booty promised by Nizam-ul-Mulk and Saadat Khan. Nadir Shah had made his intentions very clear to the Mughals a year in advance.

 

He occupied Kabul in 1738 and sent his agents to Delhi with repeated requests to suppress the disturbances of the warring tribes at his borders. These complaints were ignored as the ruler of Delhi was too busy leading a life of pleasure and debauchery while his officers were too lazy to protect their people.

 

Nadir Shah began his march from Kabul in November 1738 capturing Peshawar and Attock and arrived in Lahore in early January 1739. Zakaria Khan, the governor of Lahore fought bravely but was overpowered and Lahore was lost on 12 January 1739.

 

The nobles at Delhi received the news but remained silent. On 18 January 1739, Muhammad Shah left Delhi with his entire army and decorated officers to oppose him. He encamped at Karnal with an impressive artillery, equipment and ammunition.

 

However, the greedy nobles and officers refused to unite to protect Akhanda Bharat and the capital city for their selfish reasons. Nadir Shah reached Sirhind on 5 February 1739.

 

On 13 February 1739, the Mughals advanced from their base at Karnal only to be slaughtered with utmost precision in three hours. The Mir Bakshi Khan Dowran VII (Khan-i-Dauran) received mortal wounds and died two days later.

 

Saadat Khan was wounded and captured. Nizam-ul-Mulk did not participate in the actual operations biding his time to parley with Nadir Shah to put down the Marathas and bring about a regime change in the court of Delhi.

 

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian

 

* Information about Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj is taken from archives