Nadir Shah

Nadir Shah (1688-1747), King of Persia, was born at Khorassan; he soon distinguished himself in the service of the Government of Khorassan. Having failed to upset the government of the province, he became a bandit-chief, and captured several fortresses. Struck by his talent for war, the Shah Ashraf made overtures to him, and appointed him to the command of the Persian army against the Afghans, whom he defeated in many engagements. In 1730 he was employed against the Turks, receiving high distinction for his services; but, disgusted at the peace made by his master, and ordered to disband his army, he led 7,000 men to Ispahan, deposed the Shah in favour of his young son Abbas, and established himself as regent. He again attacked the Turks, and regained some ceded provinces. At the death of Abbas, in 1736, Nadir became king, and resolved to invade India. At the head of 120,000 men he advanced to Delhi, took it, and ordered a general massacre, and secured an immense booty. He then made peace with the Mogul, married his daughter, and received with her some of the provinces bordering on Persia. He then attacked Bokhara, and finally obtained dominion from the Indus and Oxus to the Euphrates and the Caspian Sea. He was eventually assassinated, and his nephew, Kouli Khan, was put upon the throne.