Correct Option
The correct option isNadir Shah
Explanation
The invasion of India in 1739 occurred during the phase of the Disintegration of the Mughal Empire. It took place during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah (Rangeela) and exposed the military weakness of the later Mughal state.
Detailed Analysis
- Nadir Shah (Correct): Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran (Persia), invaded India in 1739. He defeated the Mughal army at the Battle of Karnal in February 1739. Following his victory, he marched to Delhi, ordered a general massacre, and looted immense wealth. He carried away the famous Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus) commissioned by Shah Jahan and the Koh-i-Noor diamond back to Persia.
- Ahmad Shah Abdali: He was the successor of Nadir Shah in Afghanistan. He invaded India multiple times between 1748 and 1767. He is most noted for defeating the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761). He did not take the Peacock Throne, as it had already been removed by Nadir Shah.
- Genghis Khan: The Mongol leader reached the banks of the Indus river in 1221 during the reign of Iltutmish (Delhi Sultanate) in pursuit of Jalal-ud-din Mangbarani. He did not invade the interior of India or sack Delhi. The Peacock Throne did not exist at this time.
- Timur: The Turkic conqueror invaded India in 1398 during the reign of Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughlaq. He sacked Delhi and returned to Central Asia. This event predates the Mughal Empire and the creation of the Peacock Throne.
Key Takeaway: Nadir Shah invaded India in 1739, defeated Emperor Muhammad Shah at Karnal, and looted the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.