News- The Chief Minister of Maharashtra described the Third Battle of Panipat as a symbol of Maratha valor during a discussion in the State Assembly. Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
About Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
- The Third Battle of Panipat, fought on 14 January 1761, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the 18th century.
- Location: Panipat, Haryana – approximately 95 km north of Delhi.
- Fought between:
- Marathas: Led by Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao (son of Nana Saheb).
- Afghan Coalition: Led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by: Rohilla Afghans (Doab region) and Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Oudh).
Background
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Key Events Leading to the Battle:
- August 1760: Marathas captured Delhi.
- Battle of Kunjpura: Marathas defeated an Afghan garrison.
- October 1760: Abdali crossed the Yamuna, cutting off Maratha supplies.
- Prolonged Siege: Food scarcity and starvation weakened the Maratha camp.
- 13 Jan 1761: Maratha commanders, facing starvation, chose to fight.
- 14 Jan 1761: The full-scale battle took place and lasted till evening.
Outcome & Aftermath:
- Decisive Afghan Victory: Abdali’s forces broke the Maratha lines and claimed a clear win.
- Massacre of Prisoners: Around 40,000 Maratha prisoners were executed the day after the battle.
- Heavy Losses: Estimated 60,000–70,000 killed; total fatalities including civilians could have reached 100,000.
- Impact:
- Halted Maratha expansion into North India.
- Led to political instability in Maratha-controlled regions.
Maratha Revival:
- Under Peshwa Madhavrao, the Marathas gradually regained strength.
- In 1771, they launched a northern expedition to re-establish dominance and punish powers who had allied with Abdali.
