Nader's Sindh Expedition

Nader's Sindh Expedition Part of Nader Shah's invasion of the Mughal Empire & Nader's Campaigns Nader's expedition took him from the freezing heights of the Hindu Kush to the scorching heat of the Sindh valley over some of the most rugged terrain in Asia which was also host to a myriad of fortresses & strongholds. Date Early July – Late February 1740 Location Hindu Kush & Sindh Result Decisive Persian victory Territorial changes The Persian Empire subjugates Sindh and solidifies its hold on the rest of the newly annexed lands from the Mughal Empire.[1] Belligerents Persian Empire Subedar of Sindh Commanders and leaders Nader Shah Mian Sarfraz Kalhoro (Khudayar Khan) (POW) Strength Unknown Unknown

The Sindh Expedition was one of Nader Shah's last campaigns during his war in northern India. After his victory over Muhammad Shah, the Mughal Emperor, Nader had compelled him to cede all the lands to the west of the Indus river. His return to this region from Delhi was honoured by all the governors of the newly annexed territories save for Khodayar-khan, ruler of Sindh, who was conspicuously absent despite being given a summons like the rest of the governors.

Nader's descent onto Sindh

Nader set out across the Hindu Kush mountains on a 1,700 kilometre journey which came to a close within 2 months.^[2] The astonished Khodayar-khan was caught completely off balance and could not gather forces to resist, given the unexpected emergence of the Imperial army as well as the rapidity of its advance into his lands. Completely dismayed and demoralised he surrendered himself to Nader, whence he was chained and all his personal wealth including his treasury confiscated. After the intercedence of a sympathetic governor, Nader reinstated Khodayar-khan as the ruler of Sindh.

See also

• Nader Shah's invasion of the Mughal Empire
• Battle of Khyber pass
• Battle of Karnal

Further reading

• Axworthy, Michael, Nader Shah: The Sword of Persia, From Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant, I.B. Tauris, 2009
• Lockhart, Laurence, Nadir Shah; A Critical Study Based Mainly Upon Contemporary Sources, London, Luzac & Co 1938

References