This work is an abridgement of six lectures delivered by the author at Patna University in 1922 on Nadir Shah (1736-47), the founder of the Afsharid dynasty.
It begins with the internal situation of India during the eighteenth century under the Mughals. It discusses the disintegration and decline of the two greatest empires in Asia – Safavids and Mughals – and the emergence of the Afghani monarchy under Ghilzai Pashtuns. This period was also marked by anarchy, chaos and weak leadership under Mughal rulers. However, the most important part of this work is the emergence of Nadir Shah as the king of Persia. The significant parts deal with Nadir Shah's conquest of Afghanistan and his march towards Punjab; subsequently, the Battle of Karnal followed by the Mughal army's defeat; his pillage at Delhi in March 1739; and the genocide committed against the residents of Shahjahanabad. The book ends with the departure of Nadir Shah and the impact left by him.
1. Internal Condition of India in 1738— Rise and Progress of Nadir Shah 1
2. Nadir Shah's Invasion of India 25
3. Nadir Shah in Dihli: His Return 58
Abbreviations 78
Sir Jadunath Sarkar (1870-1958) was a scholar of medieval Indian history, specializing in Mughal dynasty. He studied at Presidency College, Calcutta. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University in 1899 and knighted in 1929.
