How the Third Battle of Panipat War Unfolded?
Sadashivrao Bhau commanded the Marathas, aided by prominent fighters, including Vishwasrao, Malharrao Holkar, and Mahadji Scindia. Despite courageous resistance, the outnumbered Marathas eventually lost, with thousands killed, including Bhau and Vishwasrao.
Eager to reverse these losses and spurred by his ambitious cousin Madhavrao, Sadashivrao Bhau commanded the Marathas, aided by prominent fighters, including Vishwasrao, Malharrao Holkar, and Mahadji Scindia. They aimed to recapture Delhi and other northern territories. Abdali, seeing the Marathas had violated Afghan-controlled land, promptly gathered his forces to confront them. His army also included Muslim Indian allies seeking to repel the Maratha advance.
The two enormous armies clashed north of Delhi at Panipat, likely numbering over 100,000 troops. Abdali led his Afghan-allied army to Panipat, just 97 km from the former Mughal capital of Delhi. Despite their more significant numbers, the Marathas faced difficulties – long supply lines, little local support, and a lack of artillery. After months of skirmishing, several days of pitched battle saw high casualties on both sides. Ultimately, the combined artillery and cavalry charges of Abdali’s forces overwhelmed the Marathas.
The Durrani Empire decisively won the day at Panipat. Though both sides suffered heavy losses, the Maratha Empire took a blow from which they never fully recovered. The East India Company would later take advantage of these power shifts to gain influence in India.
Third Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761)
The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 represented a watershed moment for India. By dispatching a vast army north to dismiss Afghan invaders, the Hindu Maratha Empire sought to reassert its dominion that had expelled Mughal Muslim control throughout most of India just decades prior. However, faced with Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces just miles outside Delhi, the Marathas suffered a heavy defeat, which further collapsed their centralized authority and left a power vacuum in the Capital of Delhi.
This article will delve into the causes of this historic battle, key events, and lasting impacts of the Third Battle of Panipat War.
Third Battle of Panipat