UPSC 2014 Mains GS1 Model Answer - The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?

The Third Battle of Panipat, held on January 14, 1761, was a pivotal clash between the Maratha Empire and Afghan king Ahmad Shah Durrani. This battle marked a turning point in Indian history, signalling the decline of the Maratha Empire and paving the way for the rise of the British East India Company. Panipat, located in present-day Haryana, India, has witnessed three major historic battles, occurring in 1526, 1556, and 1761.

Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?

1. Geographical Advantage:  It served as a gateway to Delhi from the northwest, making it a natural choice for invaders entering from Afghanistan, Central Asia, or Persia. Its proximity to Delhi meant that a victory in Panipat could open the way to controlling Delhi and, consequently, the Indian subcontinent.
2. Open Terrain and Battle-Suitability: The flat, open terrain of Panipat favoured large armies, allowing the effective use of heavy cavalry and artillery formations. 
3. Economic Resource Access: Panipat’s fertile plains provided resources for sustaining armies, ensuring supplies, food, and water were readily available during prolonged battles.
4. Political Power Projection: A victory at Panipat served as a demonstration of strength, solidifying a ruler's legitimacy and political influence across India.
5. Buffer Zone Against Invaders: Panipat acted as a buffer zone, allowing defenders to halt invasions before they reached densely populated regions. 

‍The repeated battles at Panipat highlight its centrality in Indian history, symbolizing the struggle for dominance in India’s power heartland, as victors here often established authority across the subcontinent. 

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