Source: HT
Context: Maharashtra Chief Minister called the Third Battle of Panipat a symbol of Maratha bravery during a debate in the State Assembly.
- The Maharashtra government plans to build memorials in Agra and Panipat to honour Maratha valour.
About Third Battle of Panipat:
- What it is:
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- The Third Battle of Panipat was one of the largest 18th-century battles, fought between the Maratha Empire and the Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Fought in: The battle took place on 14 January 1761 near Panipat, Haryana, around 95 km from Delhi.
- Fought between:
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- Maratha Empire, led by Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao.
- Afghan forces, led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by the Rohilla Afghans and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh.
- Causes of the Battle:
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- Maratha expansion: Rapid northward expansion under Peshwa Baji Rao and Nana Saheb.
- Conflict over Punjab: Maratha invasion of Punjab in 1758 brought them into direct confrontation with Abdali.
- Formation of anti-Maratha coalition: Abdali allied with Rohillas and Shuja-ud-Daula.
- Religious and political power struggle: Islamic coalition vs. expanding Hindu Maratha influence.
- Key Events:
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- Marathas captured Delhi in August 1760.
- Skirmishes along Yamuna; Marathas won at Kunjpura.
- Abdali crossed Yamuna, cut off Maratha supplies, leading to siege and starvation.
- On 13 January 1761, Maratha chiefs chose to battle instead of dying of hunger.
- The final battle occurred on 14 January 1761; lasted all day, with heavy Maratha losses.
- Outcome:
- Decisive Afghan victory: The battle ended with a clear win for Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces.
- Massacre of prisoners: After the battle, Afghan forces carried out a brutal slaughter. Nearly 40,000 captured Maratha soldiers were killed in cold blood.
- Impact on Maratha expansion: The defeat halted Maratha advances in North India. For the next 10 years, Maratha political influence in the north weakened significantly.
- Revival under Peshwa Madhavrao: In 1771, Madhavrao launched a strong comeback campaign. He successfully restored Maratha dominance in North India through strategic conquests.
