After the Battle of Panipat in India, the country went through significant changes, including the establishment of a new ruler and the shift towards democracy. Here's a detailed explanation:

Establishment of a New Ruler:
- The Battle of Panipat took place on January 14, 1761, between the Marathas, led by their commander-in-chief, Sadashivrao Bhau, and the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Ahmad Shah Abdali and his Afghan forces. The Marathas suffered a heavy defeat, with a significant loss of soldiers and commanders, including Sadashivrao Bhau.
- As a result, the power dynamics in India underwent a major shift. The Marathas, who had previously established their influence over a large part of the Indian subcontinent, lost their dominance.
- Ahmad Shah Abdali returned to Afghanistan after the battle, but the vacuum created by the defeat of the Marathas led to a power struggle among various regional and local rulers in India.

Moving towards Democracy:
- The Battle of Panipat marked a turning point in Indian history, as it weakened regional powers and paved the way for the rise of European colonial powers, particularly the British.
- The defeat of the Marathas highlighted the fragmented nature of Indian society and the need for a unified and strong central authority to resist foreign invasions.
- The British East India Company, taking advantage of the power vacuum, gradually expanded its control over various regions in India. Through a series of wars, alliances, and treaties, the British established their rule over large parts of the country.
- However, with the rise of nationalist sentiments and the emergence of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, the demand for self-governance and democracy grew stronger.
- The Indian independence movement gained momentum in the early 20th century, with various protests, movements, and acts of civil disobedience. The struggle for independence culminated in the Indian National Congress's demand for complete independence from British rule.
- Eventually, after years of struggle, India achieved independence on August 15, 1947, and adopted a democratic system of governance.

Conclusion:
The Battle of Panipat had far-reaching consequences for India. It led to the establishment of a new ruler and marked the beginning of British colonial rule. However, it also set the stage for the Indian independence movement and the eventual transition to democracy.