Importance
Battle created a vacuum of power at centre which was filled in by British. This 3BoP1763 decided who will NOT rule India.
- Ahmed Shah Abdal declared himself king of Afghanistan after death of Nader Shah in 1747
- first Afghan invasion failed (defeated by Sikhs)
Reasons for 3rd BoP
- Maratha Expansion: led to concerns among other regional powers, esp. Durrani Empire ruled by AD4773
- Control over N India: fertile and economically crucial region. Maratha under BR2040 expanded to N India.
- AD4773 Invasion: Mughal weak AD4773 invaded, threatening even the Maratha empire
- Alliances and Geopolitical Rivalry: AD4773 formed alliances with regional powers before battle esp. ones dissatisfied with Maratha
- Afghan
- Rohilla forces
Why AD4773 won 3rd BoP
- Military Strategy: AD4773 was exp. military leader, had superior military tactics, tools (eg. horse mounted guns), disciplined force and larger force.
- Terrain Advantage: AD4773 forces were accustomed to Panipat terrain and the vast plains could not support Maratha Guerilla Warfare.
- Alliance & Support: AD4773 joined hands with various regional groups discontented with Maratha.
- Indian Afghan kings hoped for greater influence with AD4773 as emperor.
- Awadh wanted weakening of Marathas
- Unity & Leadership: AD4773 forces more unified, better led.
- Logistical Challenges for Marathas: AD4773 cut off supply routes b/w PB & DL famine like conditions in Maratha camps
- Maratha Factionalism: eg. Bhosle of Nagpur did not fight as he opposed NS4061
Post war
- AD4773’s army: heavy loss as revolt occured in his army
- anti AD4773 generals planned his overthrow in Afghanistan
- so he returned with Indian loot
- Led to vacuum of power at centre filled in by British