RAS question
Shah Jahan built the Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus), which was later looted by:
Correct answer: (C) Nadir Shah of Persia.
Nadir Shah of Persia looted the Peacock Throne built for Shah Jahan when he captured Delhi in 1739.
Explanation
The Peacock Throne was Shah Jahan's jewelled imperial seat, not an ordinary court object. Britannica describes the original as built for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the early 17th century, with golden feet set with jewels and peacock-tail representations inset with diamonds, rubies and other stones. In 1739, during Muhammad Shah 'Rangila's reign, Nadir Shah of Persia invaded Delhi and took the throne as plunder. Nadir Shah of Persia is therefore the looter of the Peacock Throne. The Koh-i-Noor diamond was also taken by him.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Mahmud of Ghazni cannot be linked to this throne because the original Peacock Throne was built for Shah Jahan in the early 17th century and was seized in 1739.
- (B) Ahmad Shah Abdali did not loot the Peacock Throne; Nadir Shah's 1739 capture of Delhi led to its seizure.
- (D) Robert Clive is not connected with the 1739 seizure of the Peacock Throne; Nadir Shah took it after capturing Delhi.
Concept
Mughal imperial symbols often connect a monument or object with its ruler, date and later political event. The Peacock Throne links Shah Jahan's imperial splendour with Nadir Shah's 1739 invasion of Delhi.