The Afghans And Wars

“Third battle of Panipat” arose between the invading Maratha and Afghan forces. On 14th January 1761, it is found that the third battle of Panipat was fought between the coalition of the Maratha Empire and Afghanistan Empire. “Afghan defeat at Kunjpura” with twined edge assured for battle steering accompanied with skirmishes between the paired armies fought around Kunjpura and Karnal. Crossing of Yamuna was the other major issue which was cutting off the camp of Maratha from the Delhi base. 

The third battle of Panipat: Overview

• “Third battle of Panipat” happened on 14th January 1761 at the Panipat place about 60 miles “North of Delhi ” between a northern force of expeditionaries of the empire of Maratha and a coalition of Afghanistan kings. 

• “Third battle of Panipat” had occurred due to numerous facts where one of the reasons is the deterioration of the Mughal empire preceding the “Mughal Maratha war” comprising 27 years which led to a quick gain of territory for the empire of Maratha. 
• In the mediaeval time, the Mughal court was dissected into paired rival groups. One comprises Indian Muslims while the other consisting Foreign Muslim nobles. The foreign Muslim nobles had acquired the aid of Afghanistan’s ruler, Ahmad Shah Abdali. Abdali helped foreign Muslims as their motive is in grasping the territories of Punjab, Multan and Kashmir. Hence, Conflict arises between Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas which results in the “third battle of Panipat”.
• The results of the “third battle of Panipat” show that Maratha’s power was weakened and lost its hold on North politics. In the war, Marathas lost all the leaders and manpower but their powers along with the ideals were not transfigured for capturing the dynasty.

Afghan defeat at Kunjpura: Facts

“Abdus Samad Khan”, Sirhind’s Faujdar had arrived at Kunjpura on the Yamuna river banks of 60 miles to North Delhi with the strength of around 10000 supplies from the force of Afghans. The Maratha stormed Kunjpura as their supplies were extremely limited. On the other hand, Marathas were supported by the comrades under Ibrahim Gardi who accomplished an easy victory at Kunjpura against the army force of almost 15000 Afghans. Some of the best generals of Abdali such as Najabat Khan were found dead whose death was considered to be murder. “Ahmad Shah” was settled on the left side of the river Yamuna which was grasped by rains and was powerless to support the garrison. “Afghan defeat at Kunjpura” revealed that the garrison of complete Afghans was enslaved and killed.

Afghans cross Yamuna: Facts

Yamuna crossing is the other important story that occurred after the Afghans faced defeat in the field. The allies of Ahmed Shah along with Ahmed Shah dissociated from Shahdara and marched toward the South. Considering a measurable risk, Abdali dived into the river followed by the troops and his bodyguards. Afghans across the Yamuna successfully visit the nearby “Kurukshetra”; which is one of the most essential destinations for Hindu Pilgrimage. The Marathas set a defensive structure to block the access of Afghanistan near the Panipat ground after they were unsuccessful to prevent the forces of Abdali to cross the river Yamuna.

Conclusion

Panipat battle is not a much happier place for the Marathas because of the winning story of\Afghans. In the third battle of Panipat, the Afghans outnumbered Marathas and were extremely disciplined. The battle is regarded as one of the largest wars that were fought in the “18th century” and has the leading fatalities number in one day in the battle between the two armies. The occurrence of the “Third battle of Panipat” is due to the captivation of Punjab’s sovereignty and the loss repeatedly and alternatively by Abdali and Maratha. Afghan defeat at Kunjpura and the cross of Yamuna are referred to as the interlinked story that prevailed that Maratha win at Kunjpura by defeating the Afghan army severely.