History Daily: The Battle of Karnal
Podcast Information:
- Title: History Daily
- Host/Author: Airship | Noiser | Wondery
- Episode: The Battle of Karnal
- Release Date: February 24, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "The Battle of Karnal," host Lindsey Graham takes listeners on a journey back to February 24, 1739, to explore a pivotal moment in Persian and Indian history. This episode delves deep into the rise of Nader Shah, his strategic genius, and the consequential Battle of Karnal, which significantly altered the power dynamics in Asia.
Early Life of Nader Shah
The story begins on August 6, 1708, in the province of Khorasan, northeast Persia. A young Nadir Kohli, barely ten years old, is portrayed honing his skills as a hunter. On his birthday, he successfully kills a wolf that had been preying on his family's flock. His father's belief in his son's destiny is clear when he reflects:
Lindsey Graham (00:00): "Nadir Kohli's father has always been certain that his boy is special... destined for greatness, that one day he would not just be a king, but a king of kings."
This early incident sets the foundation for Nadir's future ambitions and leadership qualities.
Ascension to Power
By 1722, fourteen years after his first kill, Nadir moves from being the son of a shepherd to a formidable warlord. Following his father's death when he was thirteen, Nadir takes on the responsibility of supporting his family. He joins a band of thieves but quickly distinguishes himself with his strength and intelligence, eventually leading an army of 2,000 men. His reputation as a powerful leader grows, especially as Persia faces turmoil from Afghan rebels and invasions by Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
Lindsey Graham (04:20): "Nadir has grown frustrated with Tamasp's weak leadership... in 1732 he runs out of patience and rises up against Tamasp, installing Tamasp's infant son as the new shah."
Nadir's strategic investment in gunpowder weapons marks a significant shift from traditional combat, emphasizing his pragmatic approach over honor.
The Road to the Battle of Karnal
By 1739, Nadir Shah’s influence has expanded across Persia, recovering territories lost to external forces. His ambition now turns towards India, specifically targeting the wealthy Mughal Empire. Despite initial claims of pursuing Afghan rebels, Nadir's true intent becomes clear as his forces ravage the Indian subcontinent.
In Delhi, the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah assembles a vast army to confront the Persian invaders. However, the Mughal forces, despite their numbers, suffer from internal divisions and lack cohesive leadership.
Lindsey Graham (10:16): "Nader Shah wants to divide the Mughal forces and lure the enemy into battle at a time and place of his choosing."
The Battle of Karnal
The Battle of Karnal is a testament to Nader Shah's military genius. Facing a Mughal army six times the size, Nader employs innovative tactics that leverage his superior artillery and disciplined infantry.
Strategic Maneuvers
Nader's approach involves creating divisions within the Mughal army. By launching feigned attacks and ambushes, he successfully lures portions of the Mughal forces into vulnerable positions. His use of muskets and cannons against the predominantly cavalry-based Mughal army disrupts their traditional combat advantages.
Lindsey Graham (10:16): "Their greater organization eventually pays off with victory over the men on horseback."
Execution of the Plan
The Persians execute their plans with precision:
- Initial Feint: Persian cavalry attacks an isolated Mughal baggage train, causing a hasty retreat.
- Ambush Setup: As the Mughals pursue, Persian infantry unleashes devastating musket and cannon fire, decimating the chasing forces.
- Final Trap: Persian forces lure the remaining Mughal reinforcements into a chokepoint, where artillery and disciplined infantry overwhelm them.
The use of artillery against war elephants proves particularly effective, causing chaos and panic within the Mughal ranks.
Lindsey Graham (10:16): "The Mughal war elephants suffer especially badly... terrified by Persian artillery, the creatures scatter in terror."
Aftermath and Consequences
The victory at Karnal is monumental. Nader Shah marches into Delhi, capturing the city's immense wealth and bringing the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah under his control.
Lindsey Graham (15:35): "Nader Shah rides through the palace gates at the head of his triumphant Persian army. Among his entourage are a hundred captured war elephants, as well as a far more valuable prize, the Mughal leader himself, Muhammad Shah."
However, the occupation of India proves short-lived. Persistent resistance and widespread looting lead Nader Shah to retreat from India after two months, taking India's vast wealth with him. His reign becomes increasingly tyrannical, leading to his assassination in 1747.
Impact on the Mughal Empire
The defeat at Karnal irreparably weakens the Mughal Empire, leading to its fragmentation and making it susceptible to British colonialism. The power vacuum left by Nader Shah's invasion paves the way for European dominance in the Indian subcontinent.
Lindsey Graham (15:35): "The Mughal empire doesn't fare much better. They never recover from Nader Shah's invasion... Europeans will take advantage of this power vacuum."
Legacy of Nader Shah
Nader Shah's expansionist campaigns leave a lasting mark on Asia, yet his later years are marred by paranoia and cruelty, ultimately leading to his downfall. His early promise and military prowess contrast sharply with his final years, highlighting the complexities of his legacy.
Conclusion
In "The Battle of Karnal," Lindsey Graham masterfully recounts the rise and fall of one of Persia's most influential leaders, Nader Shah. Through detailed narratives and strategic analysis, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how a young shepherd transformed into a conqueror, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Asia. This episode not only highlights the significance of the Battle of Karnal but also underscores the enduring impact of leadership, strategy, and ambition in shaping history.
Notable Quotes:
- Lindsey Graham (00:00): "Nadir Kohli's father has always been certain that his boy is special... destined for greatness, that one day he would not just be a king, but a king of kings."
- Lindsey Graham (10:16): "Their greater organization eventually pays off with victory over the men on horseback."
- Lindsey Graham (15:35): "The Mughal empire doesn't fare much better. They never recover from Nader Shah's invasion."
Credits:
- Hosted by: Lindsey Graham
- Audio Editing: Mohammed Shahzi
- Sound Design: Molly Bach
- Supervising Sound Designer: Matthew Filler
- Music: Thrum
- Written and Researched by: Owen Paul Nichols
- Edited by: William Simpson
- Managing Producer: Emily Burke
- Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship), Pascal Hughes (Noiser)
Next Episode: February 25, 1964 – A young Muhammad Ali defeats Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion of the world.