Second Battle of Panipat

The Second Battle of Panipat took place on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire led by Ahmad Shah Durrani. This pivotal battle occurred near Panipat, India, and was one of the largest and bloodiest fought in the 18th century. The Marathas aimed to expand their influence, while Ahmad Shah sought to reclaim territories. Despite their numerical strength, the Marathas were defeated, sustaining heavy casualties. This battle significantly weakened the Maratha Empire and altered the power dynamics in India, paving the way for future conflicts and the eventual rise of British colonialism in the region.