AH 1131 - 1161 / AD 1719 - 1748

Muhammad Shah, also known as Rangila, was a Mughal Emperor ruling from 1719 to 1748. He ascended the throne after the downfall of Farrukhsiyar, a period marked by political instability and power struggles in the Mughal Empire. Muhammad Shah was known for his love of arts, culture, and indulgence in pleasures, earning him the nickname "Rangila," meaning the Colorful.

His reign was characterized by a weak central authority and increasing influence of powerful nobles. During his rule, the empire faced challenges from regional powers and European colonial forces, such as the British East India Company. Muhammad Shah's reign also witnessed the invasion of Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler, who looted Delhi in 1739, causing significant damage to the Mughal Empire. This began the irreversible decline of the Mughal Empire.

Muhammad Shah had ascended the throne at age 16 under the strict supervision of the Sayyid brothers. He later got rid of them with the help of Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I – Syed Hussain Ali Khan was murdered at Fatehpur Sikri in 1720 and Sayyid Hassan Ali Khan Barha was captured in battle in 1720 and fatally poisoned in 1722.

Muhammad Shah died in 1748 and was succeeded by his son, Ahmad Shah Bahadur