History Daily The Battle of Karnal
Feb 24, 2025
Explore the remarkable story of Nadir Shah, who began as a humble shepherd and evolved into a formidable warlord. Discover the strategic brilliance that led to his decisive victory at the Battle of Karnal in 1739, a turning point that shattered the Mughal Empire. Delve into Nadir's manipulative rise to power, where ambition and cunning fueled his quest for wealth. Unpack how his victory left the Indian subcontinent vulnerable, setting the stage for future colonial domination.
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Nadir's Early Life and Prophecy
- Nadir Kohli, a shepherd's son, hunted a wolf on his 10th birthday.
- A fortune teller predicted Nadir's rise to king, which proved true after his victory at Karnal.
Nadir's Rise as Warlord
- Nadir, after his father's death, led a bandit gang that grew into an army.
- He observed Afghan rebels overthrowing the Persian Shah but didn't intervene initially.
Nadir's Focus on Firearms
- Unlike his contemporaries, Nadir prioritized firearms over swords.
- This strategic advantage led to victory against the Afghan rebels and Tamasp's return to power.