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What historical event led to appeals being made to Ahmad Shah Durrani to confront the Marathas?
Answer: The Maratha Empire's occupation of Delhi and Lahore in 1758.
Explanation: The Maratha expansion into North India, including their occupation of Delhi and Lahore in 1758, prompted appeals from Indian Muslim leaders to Ahmad Shah Durrani, urging him to counter the growing Maratha influence.
The phrase 'high-water mark of Maratha expansion' refers to:
Answer: The period around 1758 when the Maratha Empire reached its greatest territorial extent.
Explanation: The phrase 'high-water mark of Maratha expansion' refers to the period around 1758 when the Maratha Empire had reached its greatest territorial extent, controlling vast areas of India, including Punjab north of the Indus River. Their subsequent confrontation with Ahmad Shah Durrani at Panipat marked the limit of this expansion.
The Third Battle of Panipat, a pivotal conflict of the 18th century, was fought between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire on January 14, 1761.
Answer: True
Explanation: While elements of the declining Mughal Empire were allied with the Durranis, the principal belligerents in the Third Battle of Panipat were the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire, led by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
The Jats, under Suraj Mal, maintained a stance of neutrality or non-alignment with either the Durrani or Maratha forces during the battle, rather than providing support to the Durranis.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Jat ruler Suraj Mal offered advice to the Marathas but ultimately withdrew his support before the main engagement, choosing not to align militarily with either the Durrani or Maratha factions.
Adina Beg Khan was a governor who allied with the Sikhs and Marathas against Durrani forces in 1758, not a key ally of Ahmad Shah Durrani during the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adina Beg Khan's historical role involved opposing Durrani influence in Punjab prior to the Third Battle of Panipat, aligning with powers that were ultimately adversaries of Ahmad Shah Durrani.
The Rohilla chiefs, including Najib-ud-Daula, were key allies of the Durrani Empire against the Maratha invasion, not allies of the Marathas.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Rohilla chiefs, led by Najib-ud-Daula, formed a crucial part of Ahmad Shah Durrani's coalition, actively supporting the Durrani campaign against the Maratha Empire.
Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh, commanded a contingent in the Durrani center-left but did not fully engage when called upon, rather than commanding the right wing.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shuja-ud-Daula was a key ally of Ahmad Shah Durrani. He commanded a contingent in the Durrani center-left but his forces did not fully engage when called upon by Shah Wali Khan, contributing to the division within the Afghan center.
Who were the principal opposing forces in the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer: The Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire
Explanation: The primary combatants were the Maratha Empire, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, and the Durrani Empire, led by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Allies supported each side.
Which of the following was NOT a key ally of Ahmad Shah Durrani in the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer: The Maratha Empire
Explanation: The Rohilla chiefs, the Kingdom of Kumaon, and the Nawab of Oudh State were all allies of Ahmad Shah Durrani. The Maratha Empire was the principal opposing force.
Who was Adina Beg Khan, and what was his role in the events leading to the battle?
Answer: The governor who allied with Sikhs and Marathas against Durrani forces in 1758.
Explanation: Adina Beg Khan, the governor of Jalandhar Doab, had previously allied with the Sikhs and Marathas to expel Durrani forces from Punjab in 1758, positioning himself against Durrani interests prior to the Third Battle of Panipat.
What was the role of Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh?
Answer: He commanded a contingent in the Durrani center-left but did not fully engage when called upon.
Explanation: Shuja-ud-Daula was a key ally of Ahmad Shah Durrani. He commanded a contingent in the Durrani center-left but his forces did not fully engage when called upon by Shah Wali Khan, contributing to the division within the Afghan center.
The Maratha army's formation was characterized by a wide front with artillery and infantry at the fore, and cavalry held in reserve, rather than a compact, heavily fortified center.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Maratha deployment featured a broad line with artillery and musketeers in front, supported by infantry, while the cavalry was positioned behind these lines, a formation that proved vulnerable to flanking and encirclement.
The shutarnaals, or camel-mounted cannons, were a key weapon employed effectively by the Durrani forces, rather than the Marathas, against the Maratha cavalry.
Answer: True
Explanation: The shutarnaals were a component of the Durrani arsenal, utilized for their mobility and elevated firing position, which proved advantageous against the Maratha cavalry. They were not a primary weapon of the Maratha forces.
The Maratha army's artillery was modern and possessed long-range capabilities, exceeding one kilometer.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Maratha forces were equipped with advanced artillery, described as modern and potentially French-made, capable of firing accurately over considerable distances.
The Durrani victory was partly due to the superior maneuverability and quality of their horses and cavalry compared to the Maratha cavalry.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Afghan cavalry, known for its agility and endurance, was able to outmaneuver and effectively engage the Maratha cavalry, contributing to the Durrani tactical advantage.
What was the approximate total strength of the Durrani army, including infantry and artillery units?
Answer: Approximately 77,800 combatants
Explanation: The Durrani army comprised approximately 41,800 regular cavalry and infantry, supplemented by 32,000 Rohilla infantry, 4,000 Kumaoni infantry, and 2,000 zamburaks (camel-mounted guns), bringing the total combatant strength to around 77,800.
Which of the following weapons proved particularly effective for the Durrani army due to their mobility and elevated firing position?
Answer: Shutarnaals (camel-mounted guns)
Explanation: The shutarnaals, or camel-mounted swivel cannons, provided the Durrani army with a significant tactical advantage due to their mobility and elevated firing position, proving highly effective against the Maratha cavalry.
How was the Maratha army's formation described as being vulnerable?
Answer: The large number of non-combatants in the rear created chaos and logistical challenges.
Explanation: The presence of approximately 200,000 non-combatants, including families and pilgrims, created substantial logistical burdens and reduced the army's mobility, contributing to chaos and vulnerability on the battlefield.
What role did Ahmad Shah Durrani's reserves and specialized artillery play in the final phase?
Answer: They bolstered the faltering Afghan lines and provided devastating firepower against Maratha cavalry.
Explanation: Ahmad Shah Durrani deployed his reserve troops and utilized his shutarnaals (camel-mounted cannons) in the final phase, which bolstered the Durrani lines and inflicted heavy casualties on the Maratha cavalry, turning the tide of the battle.
Which factor was identified as a reason for the Maratha defeat?
Answer: Rejection of strategic advice from Suraj Mal.
Explanation: The rejection of crucial strategic advice offered by the Jat ruler Suraj Mal, particularly concerning the handling of non-combatants and the adoption of guerrilla tactics, is identified as a significant factor contributing to the Maratha defeat.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the Maratha artillery's performance?
Answer: It was modern and long-range, but initially inaccurate in aiming.
Explanation: The Maratha forces possessed modern, long-range artillery. However, its effectiveness was limited in the early stages due to inaccurate aiming, although later salvos at point-blank range proved devastating.
The Durrani army successfully crossed the Yamuna River unopposed due to a strategic maneuver, not a diversion created by the Marathas.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 1760, Ahmad Shah Durrani led his army across the Yamuna River at Baghpat, a move that was not facilitated by any Maratha diversion but rather by exploiting an opportune moment to encircle the Maratha forces.
The battle commenced with the Maratha left flank, led by Ibrahim Khan Gardi, engaging the Durrani-allied Rohilla forces, rather than a Durrani cavalry charge against the Maratha left.
Answer: True
Explanation: The initial engagement involved Ibrahim Khan Gardi's Gardi musketeers attacking the Rohillas on the Maratha left flank, initiating the battle's first phase.
The battle took place near Panipat, north of Delhi, a strategically significant location controlling access to the capital.
Answer: True
Explanation: Panipat's location on the plains north of Delhi has historically made it a crucial site for battles determining control over the Indian heartland, due to its strategic access to the capital.
The battle occurred on January 14, 1761, near Panipat, north of Delhi, not in the vicinity of Lahore.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical records consistently place the Third Battle of Panipat on January 14, 1761, in the plains of Panipat, which is situated north of Delhi, not near Lahore.
On what date did the Third Battle of Panipat take place?
Answer: January 14, 1761
Explanation: The Third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761.
How did the Durrani army manage to cut off Maratha supply lines and encircle them?
Answer: By crossing the Yamuna River unopposed and positioning their forces strategically.
Explanation: In October 1760, Ahmad Shah Durrani led his army across the Yamuna River at Baghpat, a move that was not facilitated by any Maratha diversion but rather by exploiting an opportune moment to encircle the Maratha forces and cut off their supply lines.
What was the initial action of the battle, involving Ibrahim Khan Gardi's forces?
Answer: Gardi's musketeers attacked the Rohillas on the Maratha left flank.
Explanation: The initial engagement involved Ibrahim Khan Gardi's Gardi musketeers attacking the Rohillas on the Maratha left flank, initiating the battle's first phase.
In the second phase of the battle, who led the charge against the Afghan center?
Answer: Sadashivrao Bhau
Explanation: During the second phase of the battle, Sadashivrao Bhau personally led a significant charge against the Afghan center, aiming to break the Durrani lines.
What was the significance of Panipat as a battle location?
Answer: It was strategically located north of Delhi, controlling access to the capital.
Explanation: Panipat's location on the plains north of Delhi has historically made it a crucial site for battles determining control over the Indian heartland, due to its strategic access to the capital.
The Third Battle of Panipat resulted in a decisive victory for the Durrani Empire and its allies, which temporarily halted the Maratha Empire's expansion into northern India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The battle concluded with a significant defeat for the Maratha army, leading to a temporary setback in their imperial ambitions and expansionist policies in North India.
The Third Battle of Panipat resulted in exceptionally high casualties for both sides, with total losses numbering in the tens of thousands, not fewer than 5,000.
Answer: True
Explanation: The battle was one of the bloodiest of the 18th century, with estimates of total casualties ranging from 50,000 to over 100,000, far exceeding the figure of 5,000.
Following the Maratha defeat, the non-combatants accompanying the army suffered immensely, including widespread enslavement and execution, rather than being largely unharmed.
Answer: True
Explanation: The aftermath of the battle saw severe repercussions for the non-combatants, with accounts detailing mass enslavement and execution, contradicting the notion that they were largely unharmed.
Estimates suggest the Maratha army suffered approximately 50,000 soldier casualties, while the Durrani forces sustained losses around 20,000, contradicting the assertion of 20,000 Maratha and 50,000 Durrani losses.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts indicate significantly higher casualties for the Marathas, with estimates around 50,000 soldiers killed or captured, while Durrani and allied losses were considerably lower, around 20,000.
What were the estimated soldier casualties for the Maratha forces?
Answer: Approximately 50,000
Explanation: Historical accounts indicate significantly higher casualties for the Marathas, with estimates around 50,000 soldiers killed or captured, while Durrani and allied losses were considerably lower.
How many non-combatants were estimated to have been taken as slaves after the battle?
Answer: 22,000
Explanation: Following the battle, an estimated 22,000 women and children from the Maratha camp were taken as slaves and transported in cages, highlighting the brutal consequences of the defeat for the civilian population.
What was the approximate number of Rohilla soldiers killed or wounded during the battle?
Answer: 15,000
Explanation: The Rohilla forces, a key ally of the Durranis, suffered substantial losses, with approximately 15,000 soldiers reported killed or wounded during the battle.
How many Maratha prisoners were reportedly executed in the day following the battle, according to eyewitness accounts?
Answer: 40,000
Explanation: According to eyewitness accounts cited in historical sources, approximately 40,000 Maratha prisoners were executed in the day following the battle, underscoring the brutality of the aftermath.
The defeat at Panipat significantly weakened the Maratha Empire's position and temporarily halted their expansion into northern India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The battle concluded with a significant defeat for the Maratha army, leading to a temporary setback in their imperial ambitions and expansionist policies in North India.
The Third Battle of Panipat had a significant impact on the already declining Mughal Empire, further diminishing its authority and influence.
Answer: True
Explanation: While already in decline, the battle's outcome and the subsequent political realignments exacerbated the Mughal Empire's weakened state, making it more dependent on external powers.
The severe losses sustained by the Marathas at Panipat significantly weakened their military capacity and temporarily halted their dominance, but did not lead to their swift and complete collapse as a major power.
Answer: True
Explanation: While the defeat was devastating, the Maratha Empire possessed the resilience to recover and reassert influence over time, though the battle marked a critical juncture in their imperial trajectory.
The battle's outcome created a power vacuum that ultimately facilitated the rise of the British East India Company in India.
Answer: True
Explanation: By weakening major Indian powers like the Marathas and Mughals, the battle contributed indirectly to the conditions that allowed the British East India Company to expand its influence and eventually dominate the subcontinent.
The Durrani victory at Panipat weakened the Marathas, shifting the regional power balance, but did not lead to the immediate and complete subjugation of the Sikh confederacies.
Answer: True
Explanation: While the Durrani victory altered the political landscape, the Sikh confederacies continued to assert their influence, particularly in Punjab, and were not immediately subjugated by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
How did the Third Battle of Panipat impact the Maratha Empire's ambitions?
Answer: It temporarily halted their northward expansion and ambitions.
Explanation: The defeat at Panipat represented a significant setback to the Maratha Empire's aspirations for complete dominance over India, temporarily halting their northward expansion and requiring a period of consolidation.
How did the battle contribute indirectly to the eventual British takeover of India?
Answer: By weakening major Indian powers and creating a power vacuum.
Explanation: By weakening major Indian powers like the Marathas and Mughals, the battle contributed indirectly to the conditions that allowed the British East India Company to expand its influence and eventually dominate the subcontinent.
Ahmad Shah Durrani commanded the Durrani forces, not the Maratha forces, during the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer: True
Explanation: The principal commander of the Maratha forces was Sadashivrao Bhau, while Ahmad Shah Durrani led the opposing Durrani army.
Ahmad Shah Durrani observed the battle from the center and deployed reserves, rather than personally leading the charge against the Maratha center in the second phase.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Ahmad Shah Durrani was strategically positioned, the direct charge against the Maratha center in the second phase was led by other Durrani commanders, with Durrani reserves playing a crucial role in stabilizing the lines.
Ahmad Shah Durrani appointed Najib-ud-Daula, the Rohilla leader, as the ostensible regent of the Mughal Empire before leaving India, not the Peshwa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon his departure from India, Ahmad Shah Durrani designated Najib-ud-Daula, a prominent Rohilla chief, to oversee affairs in the Mughal territories, effectively acting as the regent.
Ahmad Shah Durrani acknowledged the exceptional bravery of the Maratha soldiers in his correspondence, rather than criticizing their fighting skills.
Answer: True
Explanation: Durrani's correspondence reportedly praised the Maratha soldiers for their valor, stating they fought with a bravery 'beyond the capacity of other races,' a sentiment contrary to any criticism of their fighting skills.
Jankoji Rao Scindia was captured and subsequently executed after the battle, rather than escaping and playing a significant role in rebuilding Maratha power.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jankoji Rao Scindia, a prominent Maratha commander, met his end as a prisoner, executed following the Durrani victory, contrary to any narrative of his post-battle resurgence.
Ibrahim Khan Gardi, a key Maratha commander, was captured and brutally executed by Afghan soldiers after the battle, not released after paying a ransom.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ibrahim Khan Gardi, renowned for leading the Maratha Gardi infantry, was taken prisoner and subsequently killed by enraged Afghan troops as retribution for the heavy losses his forces inflicted.
The Maratha commander Sadashivrao Bhau was killed in battle after his nephew, Vishwasrao, was struck down by enemy fire.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vishwasrao, the nephew of Sadashivrao Bhau and a key figure in the Maratha command, was killed early in the battle by cannon fire. This event prompted Bhau to enter the thick of the fighting, where he too ultimately perished.
Who commanded the Maratha army at the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer: Sadashivrao Bhau
Explanation: Sadashivrao Bhau, the cousin of the Peshwa, held the highest military command and led the Maratha army in the Third Battle of Panipat.
Which Maratha leader was killed by a cannonball early in the battle, prompting Sadashivrao Bhau to enter the fray?
Answer: Vishwasrao
Explanation: Vishwasrao, the nephew of Sadashivrao Bhau and a key figure in the Maratha command, was killed early in the battle by cannon fire. This event prompted Bhau to enter the thick of the fighting, where he too ultimately perished.
Who was appointed as the ostensible regent of the Mughal Empire by Ahmad Shah Durrani before departing India?
Answer: Najib-ud-Daula
Explanation: Upon his departure from India, Ahmad Shah Durrani designated Najib-ud-Daula, a prominent Rohilla chief, to oversee affairs in the Mughal territories, effectively acting as the regent.
How did Ahmad Shah Durrani describe the bravery of the Maratha soldiers?
Answer: As fighting with the greatest valour beyond the capacity of other races.
Explanation: Durrani's correspondence reportedly praised the Maratha soldiers for their valor, stating they fought with a bravery 'beyond the capacity of other races,' a sentiment contrary to any criticism of their fighting skills.
What happened to Jankoji Rao Scindia after the battle?
Answer: He was captured and later executed at the instigation of Najib-ud-Daula.
Explanation: Jankoji Rao Scindia, a prominent Maratha commander, was taken prisoner during or after the battle. He was subsequently executed at the instigation of Najib-ud-Daula, a key Rohilla ally of the Durranis.
What was the fate of Ibrahim Khan Gardi after the battle?
Answer: He was captured, tortured, and executed by Afghan soldiers.
Explanation: Ibrahim Khan Gardi, a key commander of the Maratha Gardi infantry, fought bravely but was eventually captured. He was subjected to torture and subsequently executed by enraged Afghan soldiers, likely as retribution for the heavy losses his troops inflicted on the Rohillas earlier in the battle.
The Third Battle of Panipat is considered one of the largest and most consequential battles of the 18th century, involving an estimated 125,000 troops.
Answer: True
Explanation: This engagement stands out for its scale and impact, involving a vast number of combatants and significantly influencing the geopolitical landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
What literary work inspired by the Third Battle of Panipat is mentioned in the source?
Answer: 'Roktakto Prantor' by Munier Choudhury
Explanation: The source mentions Munier Choudhury's play 'Roktakto Prantor' as a literary work inspired by the Third Battle of Panipat.