Skirmish of Chenab (1739)

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.

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. 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.

Raid

Nader Shah had decided to leave via the mountains in Northern Punjab. Learning about this, the Sikhs started gathering light cavalry bands, attempting to capture Nader Shah’s plunder. 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. The Sikhs released many slaves.

Aftermath

Nader Shah stopped at Lahore where he learned of his losses. 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.

Shah's remaining loot was enough to suspend taxes in Iran for three years. After Shah's assassination in 1747, his successor Ahmed Shah Abdali spent over 20 years attacking the Sikhs.

References

Works cited

• Axworthy, Michael (2009). The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant. I.B.Tauris. Search this book on

See also

• Nihang
• Martyrdom in Sikhism

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