Third Battle of Panipat

Date: January 14, 1761 • Location: Arvi, India

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 1761.

The Third Battle of Panipat, the largest battle of the 18th century, is fought in India between the Afghan Durrani Empire under Ahmad Shah Durrani, and the Maratha Empire under Sadashivrao Bhau.

The Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invading army of the Durrani Empire. The battle took place in and around the city of Panipat, approximately 97 kilometres (60 mi) north of Delhi. The Afghans were supported by three key allies in India: Najib-ud-Daula who persuaded the support of the Rohilla chiefs, elements of the declining Mughal Empire, and most prized the Oudh State under Shuja-ud-Daula. The Maratha army was led by Sadashivrao Bhau, who was third-highest authority of the Maratha Confederacy after the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa. The bulk of the Maratha army was stationed in the Deccan Plateau with the Peshwa.