Peacock Throne was robbed by whom?
VerifiedAnswer: Nadir Shah
Explanation:
The magnificent Peacock Throne was robbed by Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler who invaded India in 1739. This historic theft marked one of the most devastating losses in Indian history, as the throne was not just a seat of power but a symbol of Mughal grandeur and wealth.
The Peacock Throne was originally commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1628 and took seven years to complete. This extraordinary throne was crafted with precious metals and adorned with countless gems, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. The throne got its name from the two magnificent peacocks that stood behind it, their tails spread in full display and studded with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls, and other precious stones.
Nadir Shah's invasion in 1739 was a turning point in Mughal history. He defeated the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah at the Battle of Karnal and then marched toward Delhi. The weak Mughal resistance could not prevent the Persian forces from entering the capital city. Once in Delhi, Nadir Shah ordered a massacre that lasted for several hours, resulting in the death of thousands of innocent people.
During his occupation of Delhi, Nadir Shah systematically looted the city's wealth. The Peacock Throne was among the most prized possessions he took back to Persia. Along with the throne, he also seized the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond and other invaluable treasures from the Mughal treasury. The total value of the wealth he carried away was estimated to be enormous, essentially bankrupting the Mughal Empire.
The loss of the Peacock Throne had both symbolic and practical consequences. Symbolically, it represented the decline of Mughal power and prestige. The throne had been the seat from which great emperors like Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb had ruled their vast empire. Its removal from India marked the end of an era of Mughal dominance.
After Nadir Shah took the throne to Persia, its fate became uncertain. Historical records suggest that the original Peacock Throne was likely dismantled, and its precious stones and metals were used to create other royal artifacts. Some historians believe that parts of it were incorporated into the throne used by later Persian rulers, while others suggest it was completely broken down for its valuable materials.
This historical event serves as an important reminder of how political weakness can lead to cultural and economic losses. The theft of the Peacock Throne by Nadir Shah not only deprived India of one of its most beautiful artistic creations but also marked the beginning of a period where India became vulnerable to various foreign invasions and eventual colonization.
