Third Battle of Panipat: Causes, Course, Result & More

The third battle of Panipat was one of the most important and bloodiest battles in Indian history. It is a crucial topic for students preparing for Third Battle of Panipat UPSC. This battle took place in the 18th century and changed the political situation in India. It was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali of Afghanistan. The third battle of panipat is known for its massive scale and tragic consequences. Understanding the reasons, events, and aftermath of this battle is essential for grasping India’s historical timeline. In this article, we will deeply explore the third battle of panipat, focusing on its causes, events, and effects on Indian politics.

Third Battle of Panipat Background

After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire weakened. Regional powers started rising. One of the most powerful among them was the Maratha Empire. The Marathas expanded their territory rapidly in the north. This led to tensions with other regional and foreign powers.

At the same time, Muslim rulers in the north feared the growing strength of the Marathas. The Mughal emperor was reduced to a mere figurehead. The vacuum of power led to multiple battles. One of the most significant of these was the third battle of panipat.

The panipat war has occurred multiple times. All battles of panipat had major impacts. The  first battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. The  second battle of Panipat was fought between Akbar and Hemu. The panipat war 1 2 3 series defined India’s fate at different times.

Ahmad Shah Abdali, also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani, was the ruler of Afghanistan. He was earlier a general under Nadir Shah, who invaded India and looted Delhi in 1739. Nadir Shah was the ruler of Persia and caused massive destruction during his invasion.

After Nadir Shah’s death, Abdali wanted to control the regions of Punjab and Delhi. He invaded India several times. However, in 1760, he made a final attempt to crush the Maratha dominance. This invasion led to the panipat 3rd war.

Abdali was invited by Najib-ud-Daula, a Rohilla chief. Najib feared the rise of the Marathas. Other allies like Shuja-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, also joined Abdali. These alliances strengthened the Afghan forces before the third battle of panipat.

Study the NCERT notes on the first and second Anglo-Mysore wars here.

Expansion of Maratha Empire

The Marathas, under the leadership of Peshwa Bajirao, had expanded their territory from the Deccan to Delhi. After his death in 1740, his son Peshwa Nana Saheb continued the expansion. The Marathas aimed to become the supreme power in India.

They controlled large areas, including Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan by the late 1750s. They even threatened older powers like the Mughals. The Maratha army was well-trained and powerful. But their growing power made many enemies.

This expansion worried rulers like the Rohillas and Awadh Nawab. It also worried foreign rulers like Abdali. The battle of panipat was fought between these conflicting interests.

Also, check the NCERT notes on the first Carnatic war here.

The immediate causes of the third battle of panipat arose from rising tensions, political ambitions, strategic alliances, and a fragile Mughal rule that triggered this major clash in 1761The third battle of panipat was fought between two powerful coalitions. Each side was determined to control North India.Several immediate causes led to the third battle of panipat:

• Territorial Ambition of Marathas: The Marathas wanted full control over northern India to establish their dominance beyond the Deccan, aiming to rule Hindustan under the leadership of the powerful Peshwas during the mid-18th century.
• Fear of Abdali's Decline: Ahmad Shah Abdali was concerned that if the Marathas succeeded in their northern expansion, he would lose influence over Punjab and key Indian territories permanently by 1760.
• Invitation by Indian Allies: Najib-ud-Daula and Shuja-ud-Daula, alarmed by Maratha advances, requested Abdali’s intervention in 1760, hoping a strong Afghan force could stop the growing Maratha control in the region.
• Weakening Mughal Authority: The Mughal Empire had lost power and respect after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, leaving a political vacuum that both Marathas and external powers like Abdali sought to exploit in 1761.

Also, check the NCERT notes on Battle of Plassey here.

Third Battle of Panipat Course

Mobilization of Maratha Forces (1760)

In early 1760, the Marathas, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, marched north from Pune with a massive army. They aimed to protect Delhi and halt Abdali’s advance. Vishwas Rao, son of Peshwa Nana Saheb, also joined this campaign as the heir to Maratha leadership.
 

Arrival of Ahmad Shah Abdali (October 1760)

Ahmad Shah Abdali crossed the Indus River and entered India in October 1760. He quickly captured Punjab and joined forces with Najib-ud-Daula, the Rohilla chief. Abdali's well-organized army strategically encircled the Marathas near Panipat to block their supplies and force them into a siege.
 

Siege of Maratha Camp (Late 1760)

From November 1760 to January 1761, Abdali's forces cut off Maratha supply lines near Panipat. The Maratha army, despite being large, suffered from severe food shortages and diseases. Their soldiers and animals weakened during the prolonged siege, reducing their ability to launch an effective attack.
 

Battle Day – 14 January 1761

The third battle of panipat was fought in the year 1761 on 14 January. On that cold morning, both armies clashed near Panipat. The Marathas fielded over 45,000 soldiers and many civilians, while Abdali commanded around 60,000 troops with additional reserves and faster cavalry units.
 

Tactical Mistakes by Marathas (1761)

Sadashivrao Bhau, lacking support from local allies, relied heavily on a defensive artillery line. However, Abdali used rapid cavalry assaults and deceptive retreat tactics. Maratha infantry broke formation under pressure, allowing Abdali’s forces to surround and destroy key sections of their army during the intense fighting.
 

Death of Leaders and Collapse (14 January 1761)

During the battle, both Vishwas Rao and Sadashivrao Bhau were killed. Their deaths demoralized the Maratha troops. Confused and leaderless, many soldiers were massacred while retreating. Civilian followers of the army were also targeted, making this one of the bloodiest days in Indian battle history.
 

Casualties and Outcome

More than 1,00,000 people, including soldiers and civilians, died on the battlefield in a single day. The Maratha army suffered near-total destruction. Ahmad Shah Abdali emerged victorious but did not consolidate power. He returned to Afghanistan, leaving North India politically unstable and exposed to future British expansion.

Also, study the NCERT notes on the second Anglo-Maratha war here.

Third Battle of Panipat Results

The third battle of panipat ended with a huge loss for the Marathas in 1761. This defeat changed the future of India. It weakened Indian rulers and made it easier for the British to gain control.

• Defeat of Marathas (14 January 1761): On 14 January 1761, the Marathas suffered a major defeat. Their strong army was crushed by Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces during the third battle of panipat.
   
• Death of Maratha Leaders (1761): Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwas Rao, key Maratha leaders, were killed in battle. Their deaths in 1761 caused panic and collapse in the Maratha ranks during the fight.
   
• Heavy Casualties (14 January 1761): Over 1,00,000 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed on the battlefield on 14 January 1761. It was one of the deadliest days in Indian war history.
   
• Abdali’s Return to Afghanistan (1761): After his victory, Ahmad Shah Abdali did not stay in India. He returned to Afghanistan in 1761, leaving behind a power vacuum in northern India.
   
• Political Instability in North India (Post-1761): After 1761, North India had no strong ruler. The Mughal Empire was weak, and Maratha power was shattered. This opened the door for British political dominance.
   
• Weakening of Maratha Empire (1761 onwards): The Maratha Empire began to decline after the defeat. They lost control over northern territories and took years to recover from the loss of men and leadership.
   
• Rise of British Power (Late 1700s): The power vacuum after the panipat 3rd war helped the British East India Company grow stronger. By the late 1700s, they began controlling large parts of India.

Read about Battle Of Buxar for your UPSC Preparation

Third Battle of Panipat Significance

The third battle of Panipat was a turning point in Indian history. It changed power dynamics, weakened Indian kingdoms, and created conditions that helped the British gain control over large part. The third battle of panipat had long-lasting effects:

Major Shift in Indian Power Structure

 The third battle of panipat caused a major shift in power. The defeat of the Marathas ended their dominance in North India and left the region open to other rising powers, especially the British East India Company.

Rise of British East India Company

 After 1761, no Indian power was strong enough to rule all of India. This power gap helped the British expand their control. By the late 1700s, they became the most powerful force in Indian politics and trade.

End of Maratha Expansion Plans

 The Marathas had planned to replace the Mughal Empire and rule over all of India. Their loss in this battle destroyed those dreams. It took years for them to recover and re-establish regional power.

Loss of Unity Among Indian Rulers

 The battle showed that Indian rulers were not united. Many chose to support foreign powers like Ahmad Shah Abdali. This lack of unity made Indian kingdoms weak and vulnerable to foreign invasions and colonial rule.

One of the Bloodiest Battles in History

The third battle of panipat is remembered as one of the bloodiest battles ever fought in India. Over 1,00,000 people died in just one day, leaving deep scars in Indian memory and history.

Reminder of Strategic Mistakes

 The defeat taught future leaders the importance of strong planning, supply lines, and local support. Marathas had a large army but lacked coordination and alliances, which led to their fall in this historic war.

Conclusion

The third battle of panipat is one of the most critical events in Indian history. It was more than just a war. It was a turning point that shifted power in India. It led to the rise of the British and fall of Indian powers. Understanding the third battle of panipat helps us learn about unity, power, and politics. For the Third Battle of Panipat UPSC, this topic must be studied in detail. The panipat war history is full of lessons and warnings.