Understanding the Commander in the Battle

The question asks to identify the Commander-in-Chief in the battle described in the provided passage. We need to carefully read the passage to find clues about who held the top command position among the Marathas.

The passage details the events and consequences of a significant battle. It mentions key figures and strategic decisions. Let's look at the relevant parts:

• "Bhau did not get any additional reinforcements from the south."
• "He made a great mistake in not guarding adequately the forts at the Jamuna and maintain his connection with the south."
• "Vishwas Rao and Sadashiv Rao Bhau were killed."
• "Most of the officers fell."

The passage repeatedly refers to "Bhau" making strategic decisions and mistakes, such as not getting reinforcements or guarding forts properly. This indicates that "Bhau" was in a position of significant command and responsibility during the battle. The passage also mentions that "Sadashiv Rao Bhau" was killed, along with "Vishwas Rao" and "Most of the officers".

Historically, Sadashiv Rao Bhau served as the Commander-in-Chief (Senapati) for the Maratha forces in the Third Battle of Panipat. While Vishwas Rao, the Peshwa's son, was the nominal head or heir apparent, Sadashiv Rao Bhau was the actual field commander responsible for leading the army and making strategic decisions. The actions and decisions attributed to "Bhau" in the passage directly align with the role of the commander. The death of Sadashiv Rao Bhau is also listed as a major loss, further confirming his prominent position.

Let's examine the options provided:

• Govind Ballal Bundela: Mentioned as a Maratha figure, but the passage does not attribute the primary command role to him.
• Sadashiv Rao Bhau: The passage refers to "Bhau" making command decisions and lists Sadashiv Rao Bhau among the key figures killed. This strongly suggests he was the commander.
• Vishwas Rao: Mentioned as being killed, but the strategic actions are attributed to "Bhau", which refers to Sadashiv Rao Bhau as the functional commander.
• Sabaji Scindia: A Maratha general, but the passage does not identify him as the Commander-in-Chief of the entire force.

Based on the passage's description of "Bhau's" actions and the mention of Sadashiv Rao Bhau being killed in a high-ranking capacity, it is clear that Sadashiv Rao Bhau was the Commander-in-Chief in this battle.

Therefore, the Commander-in-Chief in this battle was Sadashiv Rao Bhau.

Revision Table: Key Figures in the Battle

Additional Information on the Battle

The battle described is the Third Battle of Panipat, fought in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Afghan Empire, supported by various Indian allies. It was a decisive defeat for the Marathas and had significant consequences for the political landscape of India.

• Context: The Marathas had expanded their influence significantly across North India. This expansion brought them into conflict with other powers, including the Afghans led by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
• Outcome: The Maratha army suffered a crushing defeat, resulting in massive casualties and the loss of key leaders like Sadashiv Rao Bhau and Vishwas Rao.
• Impact: The defeat severely weakened the Maratha power in North India, temporarily halting their expansion and creating a power vacuum that eventually benefited the British East India Company.

Understanding the roles of key figures like Sadashiv Rao Bhau and the context of the Third Battle of Panipat helps in interpreting historical passages related to this event.