2014 · GS Paper 1 · Q4 · 10 marks
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?
In short
Panipat hosted empire-shaking battles because it lay on the invasion route from the north-west in a narrow, flat, well-supplied corridor just north of Delhi, where defenders chose to meet invaders and victory delivered the capital. Babur won there in 1526, Akbar in 1556 and Abdali in 1761.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words
On the invasion highway
Armies from the north-western passes crossed Punjab along the route of the later Grand Trunk Road and reached Delhi through Panipat, about 90 km to its north.
A narrow corridor
The plain between the Shivalik foothills and the Thar desert funnels movement along the Yamuna, which is why Tarain (1191-92) and Karnal (1739) lie on the same line.
Open, flat terrain
The level plain suited massed cavalry and let Babur deploy carts and guns in the tulughma formation.
Water and supplies
The Yamuna and the Haryana plain's grain sustained huge armies.
Last line before the capital
Delhi's rulers met invaders in the open rather than face a siege, as Ibrahim Lodi and Hemu did.
Winner takes Delhi
Victory opened Delhi and Agra, so the first battle founded the Mughal empire, the second secured it and the third checked the Maratha bid for north India.
Cutting the lifeline
In 1760 Abdali placed himself between the Marathas and Delhi, so Bhau's army fought starving after two months entrenched.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.