The Second Battle of Panipat was fought 30 years later, on 5th of November, 1556. It was fought between Babur's grandson Akbarand Himu, the Hindu general of the Afghan Sher Shah. This fundamental battle re-established the fortunes of the Mughal Dynasty, which had been challenged with sonic success by the Pathan Dynasty of Sher Shah. Almost two centuries later on 14th of January, 1761, the Third Battle of Panipat took place, which was equally as decisive like the previous ones. It shattered the unity of Maratha power and laid the Empire open to the Afghan conquerors. The battle was on an epic scale, with the combined Maratha forces, having been cut off from supplies from Delhi for many months, desperate to break through the smaller Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durani. In Panipat, the main spots of attraction are Panipat Battles Museum, Samadhi-Sthal of Hemu, Kabuli Bagh, Salar Gunj Gate, the grave of Ibrahim Lodhi and the grave of Bu Ali Shah Qalandar, 13th century Sufi saint. Kala Amb is another popular monument and it was built in the memory of all those soldiers who died in the Third Battle of Panipat. It is now a striking sight of this city. In the year 1885, the British held manoeuvres on the plain of Panipat, suggesting the advance of an invading army on Delhi. Panipat is one of the most significant historical places of India and this city and its soil narrates the deep symbolic history of the three vital battles that have been fought here. |