Nadir Shah was the ruler of___________ who conquered and plundered the city of Delhi in 1739.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Iran.

· Nadir Shah was the ruler of Iran who invaded India in 1739.
· He is infamous for his conquest and plunder of Delhi, during which his army looted immense wealth, including the famous Koh-i-Noordiamond and the Peacock Throne.
· The invasion caused massive destruction and loss of life in Delhi.
· Nadir Shah's raid also weakened the Mughal Empire and leading to its decline.
Information about other options:
· Iraq: In the 18th century, Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire, and there was no significant ruler from Iraq who invaded India.
· Turkey: Turkey, like Iraq, was under the Ottoman Empire. While the Ottomans had influence over a large part of the Islamic world, they did not invade India during this period.
· Mongolia: While the Mongols invaded India several times during earlier centuries, they were not involved in the 18th-century invasions.
Information Booster:
Impact of Nadir Shah’s Invasion:
· His invasion culminated in the sack of Delhi, a devastating event known as the Battle of Karnal. 
· Nadir Shah’s invasion left the Mughal treasury almost empty and exposed the vulnerabilities of the empire.
· The political instability caused by the invasion eventually led the way for regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs to assert their dominance.
· It also weakened the Mughal control, making it easier for the British East India Company to expand its influence in India.