The Battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas, led by their commander-in-chief, Sadashivrao Bhau, and the Durrani Empire, led by their king, Ahmad Shah Durrani (also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali), on January 14, 1761. The battle took place near the town of Panipat in present-day Haryana, India. It was a crucial conflict in Indian history that had significant repercussions for the Marathas and the subcontinent as a whole.

Reasons for the Battle:
The battle was primarily fought due to the Marathas' expansion into Punjab and their growing influence in North India. The Durrani Empire perceived this as a threat to their own power and sought to halt the Maratha expansion.

Maratha Army:
The Marathas had a formidable army composed of various contingents from different regions of their empire. They had significant cavalry, infantry, and artillery units, with a total strength of around 100,000 soldiers. Their army was well-trained, disciplined, and experienced in warfare.

Durrani Army:
The Durrani army, led by Ahmad Shah Durrani, was also a formidable force. They had a combined force of around 75,000 soldiers, including cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The Durrani soldiers were skilled horsemen and known for their expertise in mounted warfare.

Initial Stages of the Battle:
The battle commenced with fierce clashes between the cavalry units of both armies. The Marathas, with their superior cavalry, gained an initial advantage and managed to push back the Durrani forces. However, due to a lack of coordination and communication, the Maratha cavalry pursued the retreating Durrani forces without maintaining their formations. This allowed the Durrani infantry and artillery to regroup and counterattack.

Durrani Counterattack:
Taking advantage of the disorganized Maratha cavalry, Ahmad Shah Durrani ordered a massive counterattack. The Durrani infantry, supported by artillery, launched a devastating assault on the Marathas. The Maratha infantry, lacking proper training and discipline, struggled to withstand the onslaught.

The Turning Point:
The turning point in the battle came when the Durrani forces managed to overpower and capture the Maratha artillery, depriving them of their firepower advantage. This weakened the Maratha position significantly, and the battle started tilting in favor of the Durrani Empire.

Maratha Defeat:
Despite putting up a valiant fight, the Marathas eventually succumbed to the relentless Durrani assault. The battle ended with a decisive victory for Ahmad Shah Durrani and his forces. The Marathas suffered heavy casualties, including the loss of their commander-in-chief, Sadashivrao Bhau, and many other prominent leaders.

Aftermath:
The defeat at the Battle of Panipat had profound consequences for the Marathas. It severely weakened their hold on North India and marked the beginning of their decline as a dominant power in the subcontinent. The Durrani Empire, on the other hand, maintained its control over the region for some time before facing subsequent challenges from other Indian powers.

In conclusion, the Battle of Panipat was a significant event in Indian history that saw the Marathas, despite their

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