Understanding the Battle Passage

The passage describes a significant military conflict where the Marathas suffered a devastating defeat. Key leaders were killed, forces were annihilated, and massive amounts of resources were lost. It also mentions a strategic error regarding guarding forts at the Jamuna river and maintaining connections with the south. The question asks to identify this specific battle from the given options.

Identifying Key Clues from the Passage

Let's break down the crucial details provided in the passage:

• The Marathas were involved and severely defeated, described as a "disaster".
• Prominent Maratha leaders, Vishwas Rao and Sadashiv Rao Bhau, were killed.
• There were immense losses: 50,000 horses, 2,00,000 cattle, thousands of camels, hundreds of elephants, and a large amount of cash and jewellery.
• A strategic mistake was made in not guarding forts at the Jamuna (Yamuna) river and failing to maintain connection with the south.

Evaluating the Options

We need to examine the given options and see which battle aligns with the clues from the passage.

Battle of Khanwa

The Battle of Khanwa was fought in 1527 between Babur and Rana Sanga of Mewar. While it was a significant battle in Indian history, it did not involve the Marathas in the way described, nor were the leaders mentioned (Vishwas Rao and Sadashiv Rao Bhau) participants.

Battle of Panipat III^rd

The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on 14 January 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invading forces of the Durrani Afghan Empire, supported by various Indian allies. This battle is famous for the immense defeat suffered by the Marathas. Sadashivrao Bhau was the commander of the Maratha army, and Vishwasrao (son of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao) was also present and killed in the battle. The Marathas indeed suffered catastrophic losses in terms of soldiers, leaders, and resources. The strategic location near Panipat and the Yamuna river was critical, and issues related to supply lines and communication with the south played a significant role in the Maratha defeat. The description in the passage perfectly matches the events and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.

Battle of Chamkaur

The Battle of Chamkaur (Chamkaur Sahib) was fought in 1704 between Guru Gobind Singh's Sikhs and the Mughal Army. This battle is not related to the Maratha Empire or the specific leaders mentioned in the passage.

Battle of Bilgram

The Battle of Bilgram (also known as the Battle of Kannauj) was fought in 1540 between Sher Shah Suri and Humayun (Mughal Emperor). This battle is also unrelated to the Marathas and the events described in the passage.

Conclusion: Determining the Correct Battle

Based on the analysis of the key clues from the passage, such as the involvement and devastating defeat of the Marathas, the death of Sadashiv Rao Bhau and Vishwas Rao, the massive scale of losses, and the strategic references to the Jamuna river and southern connections, the battle described in the passage is undoubtedly the Third Battle of Panipat.

Revision Table: Important Battles in Indian History

Additional Information: The Third Battle of Panipat Significance

The Third Battle of Panipat was one of the largest and most significant battles fought in the 18th century. The defeat of the Marathas was a major setback for their ambition to establish control over northern India. The enormous loss of manpower, including many experienced commanders, weakened the Maratha confederacy considerably. Although the Marathas recovered to some extent later, the battle significantly altered the political landscape of India, contributing indirectly to the rise of the British East India Company as the dominant power in the subcontinent.