Skirmish of Chenab (1739)
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The Skirmish of Chenab was a minor skirmish between Sikh forces led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Persian forces led by Nader Shah. It occurred as Nader Shah was leaving India after looting Delhi.[1]
Background
The Mughal Empire had become weakened from corruption and defeats by the Marathas. India was one of the wealthiest countries at that time, which attracted Nader Shah to invade India. Of the 3 main Muslim empires at that time the Mughals were the wealthiest.[1] The final attack of Nader Shah was Delhi, India's wealthiest city. After looting the place, including the Koh-i-Noor and some slaves, Nader Shah decided to leave for Iran.[2]
Raid
Nader Shah had decided to leave via the mountains in Northern Punjab.[3] Learning about this, the Sikhs started gathering light cavalry bands, attempting to capture Nader Shah’s plunder.[4] They seized a large amount. The Persians were unable to pursue the Sikhs, because they were overloaded with the remaining plunder and by the terrible heat of May.[5] The Sikhs released many slaves.
Aftermath
Nader Shah stopped at Lahore where he learned of his losses.[3] He traveled to his forces, accompanied by Zakariya Khan. Upon learning about the Sikhs, he told Khan that these rebels would one day rule the land.[citation needed]
Shah's remaining loot was enough to suspend taxes in Iran for three years.[6] After Shah's assassination in 1747, his successor Ahmed Shah Abdali spent over 20 years attacking the Sikhs.
References
- ^ a b Axworthy 2009
- ^ Singh 1963, p. 124-125.
- ^ a b Singh 1963, p. 125.
- ^ Singha,Bhagata (1993). A History of the Sikh Misals. Patiala, India:Publication Bureau, Punjabi University.
- ^ Gupta 1999, p. 5.
- ^ Axworthy pp.1–16, 175–210
Works cited
- Axworthy, Michael (2009). The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant. I.B.Tauris.
See also
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