In the closing years of his turbulent life, Amilakhvari stood by his erstwhile Kakhetian foes and sponsored several construction projects across the country.

[1] In 1734 the Ottoman fortunes began to reverse in the Caucasus as the resurgent Iranians under Tahmasp Qoli Khan (the future shah Nader) gained an upper hand.

Heavy taxes were levied by the governor of Kartli, Kilij Ali-Khan (Khanjal),[5] for the costs of the shah's Indian campaigns, soldiers were conscripted and noble hostages were sent to Iran.

Givi Amilakhvari managed to escape and took to the hills,[3] whence he joined Shanshe, Duke of the Ksani and Prince Vakhushti Abashidze in an anti-Iranian insurrection.

The turmoil disrupted betrothal of Givi's daughter Tamar with the Mukhranian prince Teimuraz (eventually Catholicos Anton I of Georgia), nephew of ex-king Vakhtang VI.

An able fighter, Amilakhvari was restored to favor with Nader Shah, who sent him back to Georgia to counter the irreconcilable duke Shanshe of Ksani.

[1][3] In 1741, Givi Amilakhvari was appointed as a governor (wakil) of Kartli for the shah of Iran and reconfirmed as Prince of Saamilakhoro and Duke (eristavi) of Ksani, thereby becoming the most influential Georgian nobleman in eastern Georgia.

Of them, the increasingly influential, flexible and calculating Kakhetian prince Teimuraz Bagrationi endeavored to persuade the shah to ease tribute levied upon Georgia, while Amilakhvari suddenly fled to Tbilisi and mounted a rebellion, more formidable than that of Shanshe.

[3][6] He recruited the Turkish auxiliaries and sought Ottoman support to put the Russian-based Mukhranian prince Bakar, son of Vakhtang VI of Kartli (deposed back in 1723) and brother-in-law to Teimuraz, on the throne.

[7] A series of battles were fought at Gori and along the Aragvi river in which, despite initial setback, Teimuraz and his son Erekle, with the Iranians, defeated Amilakhvari and his Turks.

In 1742, the troops of Imam-Quli Khan established a camp near Kvemo Chala castle, and Givi decided to attack, causing Iranians to retreat.