What legal action can I take to recover lent money?

I lend some money to my friend who I know from my school days, but he suddenly started asking money from me said he have some emergency but thing is he used to invest money in trading. I asked money to return but he gave some excuses and took more money. And without any legal agreement I gave him all that money just on name of trust because I know him from childhood days. But I think he broke the trust and wont give my money back. He tells me everyday today he will transfer but then some excuses like technical issue, bank issue, credit card issue like that and I did not get my money. I am feeling like I lost all my hard earned money. I cant take legal actions also because I don't have any legal agreement and its just like he asked me for help and I trusted him and gave him that money. I am feeling betrayed by a friend. Financial unstability due to losing this 1.5L amount, just because I trusted him as he is not a stranger but a school friend.