Mughal Decline and Foreign Invasions

Who was the Last Mughal on the Peacock Throne?

Muhammad Shah was the last Mughal Emperor to sit on the famous jeweled Peacock Throne. It was taken as war booty by Nadir Shah of Iran during his invasion of Delhi in 1739.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII: Our Pasts - II

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Who was the last Mughal Emperor to sit on Mayur Singhasan?

[40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Peacock Throne (Mayur Singhasan) was the most legendary symbol of Mughal wealth. Its removal from India by a foreign invader marked the symbolic end of Mughal supremacy.

Authentic Source Evidence


Muhammad Shah (1719–1748) was the last Mughal Emperor to sit on the Peacock Throne. In 1739, the Iranian ruler Nadir Shah invaded India, defeated Muhammad Shah at the Battle of Karnal, and looted Delhi, carrying the throne back to Persia.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: The throne was commissioned by Shah Jahan in the early 17th century and served as the seat of the 'Great Mughals' for over a hundred years.

  • Logic 2: Nadir Shah also took the Kohinoor diamond, ensuring that the visual icons of Mughal power were lost forever to the dynasty.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Where was the Peacock Throne originally located?"

    It was kept in the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) inside the Red Fort of Delhi.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The loss of the Peacock Throne under Muhammad Shah was the ultimate psychological blow that proved the Mughal Emperor was no longer protected by his own majesty."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Nadir Shah 6Shah Jahan 11

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