What were the Results of the third battle of Panipat War?

The third battle of Panipat has a special place in Indian history. This battle changed the destiny of India. The historians have different views regarding this battle. According to Sar Desai, “though the power of Marathas was lost yet neither Maratha power had been destroyed nor they had changed their ambition of getting whole country.” Contrary to this, J.N. Sarkar had the view, “Marathas were badly defeated in the battle of Panipat. The good leaders of Marathas were killed and the weak leaders like Raghunathrao came into politics.”

By this, the power and the prestige of peshwas were lost and unity of Marathas was broken. Marathas took time; to be normal and taking advantage of this opportunity the English took Bengal and Mysore from Haider Ali. So it is considered that though the power of Marathas was not finished by the battle, yet it had been certainly weaken. According to Elfinston, Maratha organisation, was broken due to end of a common terror.”

According to Bell, “the battle of Panipat was a victory of Marathas, a prestige of them” They were fighting for Indians and Muslim princes of Delhi, Avadh, and Deccan were engaged in making conspiracies and were in search of the opportunity. The invaders returned after conquering and did not interfere again in matters of India. However, Inspite of differences in views, we shall know the situations under these heads:

1. Loss of Marathas in a Big Number:

In this battle a big number of Marathas was killed. It would not be exaggeration to say that a generation of Maratha caste ended in this battle. J.N. Sarkar wrote, “The crisis fell on whole Maratha empire in this battle and there was not a single house in Maharashtra where was not mourned on the death of a person or head.”

2. End of Maratha’s influence in North India:

After the defeat of third battle of Panipat, Marathas lost their sovereignty in Panipat, Doab etc. Before this battle these states sometimes came under sovereignty of Muslims but after this battle Marathas gradually lost their control in North India.

3. Deterioration in Power of Peshwa:

The result of this battle was that the power of Peshwa had a big loss, and their power was greatly deteriorated.

4. End of Dream of Hindu Empire:

This battle ended the power of Marathas and Hindus by which the dream of Hindu Empire was forgot for a long time from India.

5. End of Maratha Co-operative Commission:

In this battle Marathas had a big loss so Maratha co-operation commission ended. After this Maratha Sardars began to quarrel among themselves and the Maratha power completely ended. The destruction done in battle of Panipat broken the dream of establishing Maratha-Sovereignty.

6. Moral Fall of Maratha:

Maratha’s caste was considered very brave and courageous and their army was considered invincible. Other kings were eager to ally Marathas. But after the defeat in the battle of Panipat, their prestige was lost and their military moral was minimized.

7. Fall of Mughal Empire:

Mughal Empire fell by this battle Mughal emperors were only for name, everywhere free rule was established.

8. Rise of the English:

Due to internal dispute and anarchy in India, the English had established their influence. Consequently, the foundation of English rule was firmed. “The Internal disputes of Marathas and Muslims made them weak and opened the door of getting sovereignty for the English.”

The third battle of Panipat was also decisive for destiny of India like other two battles. This ended the political struggle of Hindu-Muslim and founded an empire which became unbearable for both, the Hindu and the Muslim. “Plassy had sowed the seeds of English sovereignty in India and Lie third battle of Panipat gave the opportunity to plant and grows these seeds.”

Thus, the new chapter of history began from the battle of Panipat and also ended by the battle inept and this battle also gave birth to a new chapter. Thus, it was proved that old system changes and victory and ferity should walk together otherwise the result would the same as happened.