2nd Battle of Panipat?
VerifiedAnswer: 1556
Explanation:
The Second Battle of Panipat took place on November 5, 1556, marking a crucial turning point in Indian history. This battle was fought between the forces of the young Mughal Emperor Akbar and the Hindu king Hemu, who had recently captured Delhi and declared himself emperor with the title Vikramaditya.
At the time of this battle, Akbar was only 13 years old and was guided by his capable regent and guardian, Bairam Khan. The Mughal Empire was in a precarious position as Humayun had died just a year earlier in 1555, leaving behind a young heir to face numerous challenges to Mughal authority in northern India.
Hemu was originally the prime minister of Adil Shah Suri and had won 22 consecutive battles before this encounter. He had successfully captured Delhi and Agra, effectively ending Mughal control over these important centers. His army was well-organized and consisted of around 50,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry, and a formidable force of war elephants.
The battle began with Hemu's forces gaining the upper hand. His war elephants created havoc in the Mughal ranks, and it seemed like Hemu would achieve another victory. However, the tide turned dramatically when Hemu was struck by an arrow in his eye during the height of the battle. This injury caused him to become unconscious and fall from his elephant.
Seeing their leader fall, Hemu's army lost morale and began to retreat. The Mughals, led by Bairam Khan's strategic brilliance, seized this opportunity and launched a decisive counterattack. Hemu was captured alive but was later executed, with some accounts suggesting that young Akbar was encouraged to strike the first blow to earn the title of 'Ghazi' (warrior of faith).
The victory in the Second Battle of Panipat had far-reaching consequences for Indian history. It firmly established Mughal supremacy in northern India and secured Akbar's position on the throne. This battle paved the way for Akbar's long and prosperous reign, during which he would expand the empire significantly and implement various administrative and religious reforms that would define the Mughal Empire for centuries to come.
