In the third battle of Panipat, Marathas were defeated by _______.
Ahmed Shah Abdali
Third Battle of Panipat Explained
The Third Battle of Panipat was a pivotal conflict fought on 14 January 1761 at Panipat, which is located about 97 kilometers (60 miles) north of Delhi. This battle marked a significant turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent.
Combatants in the Third Battle of Panipat
The main forces involved in this battle were:
- The Maratha Confederacy, which was expanding its influence across India.
- The invading Afghan forces led by Ahmed Shah Abdali, the founder of the Durrani Empire. Ahmed Shah Abdali was supported by several Indian allies, including the Rohillas under Najib-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daulah, and parts of the declining Mughal Empire.
Outcome of the Third Battle of Panipat
The Maratha army, commanded by Sadashivrao Bhau, suffered a catastrophic defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat. The superior tactics, leadership, and artillery of Ahmed Shah Abdali's forces, combined with internal issues within the Maratha camp and lack of supplies, led to their decisive loss.
This defeat was a major setback for the Maratha ambition of establishing dominance over North India and significantly weakened their power for several years, paving the way for the rise of other powers, including the British East India Company.
Revision Table: Third Battle of Panipat Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1761 |
| Location | Panipat (present-day Haryana, India) |
| Opposing Forces | Maratha Confederacy vs. Durrani Empire (Ahmed Shah Abdali) & Allies |
| Maratha Leader | Sadashivrao Bhau |
| Afghan Leader | Ahmed Shah Abdali |
| Outcome | Decisive victory for Ahmed Shah Abdali and his allies |
Additional Information on Panipat Battles
Panipat has historically been the site of major confrontations that shaped the history of India. Besides the Third Battle of Panipat, two other significant battles were fought here:
- First Battle of Panipat (1526): Fought between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) and Ibrahim Lodi (Sultan of Delhi). Babur won, establishing Mughal rule.
- Second Battle of Panipat (1556): Fought between the Mughal Emperor Akbar's forces (led by Bairam Khan) and Hemu (the Hindu king who had captured Delhi). Akbar's forces were victorious.
These battles underscore the strategic importance of the region of Panipat throughout history.
Important Questions from Mughal empire
Where did the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, die?
Which of the following statement is untrue about Akbar's Rajput policy ?
Which position was more important in the central administration of the Mughals?
Which of the following was the most important method of assessment of land revenue during the Mughal times ?
With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?
