Kashmir Under the Influence of the Nadir Shah’s Indian Campaign (1738-39) (According to the Persian Manuscript of the 18th c.)

Abstract

The article explores the impact of the Nadir Shah’s Indian campaign on the region of Kashmir in the 18th c., according to the Persian-language manuscript written by Muhammad ‘Azam Didamari. The manuscript provides unique insights into how Nadir Shah’s actions affected Kashmir, including the appointment of a new subahdar and a rebellion of the local population. Contrary to a popular belief, the author suggests that after the campaign the Mughal Empire retained control over Kashmir, highlighting the complex relations between Iran and the Mughal Empire. The study calls for a reevaluation of historical accounts of Nadir Shah’s campaign and emphasizes the need for further research of the role of Kashmir in this significant event. The information presented in the work of Muhammad ‘Azam encourages researchers to reconsider the history of Nadir Shah’s Indian campaign in order to more accurately determine the boundaries between the Mughal Empire and Iran after this event. The mention of Kashmir in the context of these events adds particular value to the study, since other sources on Nadir Shah and his military campaigns either do not mention Kashmir at all or only briefly touch on the region. In this context, the presence of this plot in the work of Muhammad ‘Azam is unique and calls for further research and analysis.