Question

Who led the Maratha armies in the third Panipat war?
A)Sadashiv Rao Bhau
B)Sahu
C)Baji Rao
D)Baji Rao II

Answer 1

Hint: The third battle of Panipat was fought on 17 January, 1761 between the invading Afghan army of Ahmed Shah Durrani and the Maratha Empire. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Afghan forces. Ahmed ShahDurrani supported by three Indian allies - Nawab Shuja-ud-daullah, the Rohillas and the Afghans of the Doab region.

Complete Step by Step answer: The Third Battle of Panipat is considered to be one the largest and most significant battles fought in the 18th century. It was fought on 17 January, 1761 between the Maratha army led by the Sardar Senapati Sadashiv Rao Bhau and the Afghan army led by Ahmed ShahDurrani supported by three Indian allies - Nawab Shuja-ud-daullah, the Rohillas and the Afghans of the Doab region. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Afghan forces.

OPTION A - Sadashiv Rao Bhau served as the Sardar Senapati ( Commander in chief- Third in ranks of authority within the empire), of the Maratha forces during the third battle of Panipat. He was the nephew of Peshwa Bajirao I.
OPTION B - Sahu or Shahu was the fifth Chatrapati of the Maratha Empire. He was a grandson of Chatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire.After his death power shifted from the Chatrapatis to the Peshwas.
OPTION C - Baji Rao was a statesman of the Maratha Empire. He served as the Peshwa ( Prime Minister) of the empire under Chatrapati Shahu. Under his rule Maratha power spread far and wide.
OPTION D - Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, 13th in reign. His reign led to the subsequent annexation of the empire by the British forces.

Hence, The correct answer is Option A.

Note: The war witnessed the subsequent defeat of the Maratha forces by the invading Afghan army. This war didn’t decide who will rule India but decide who will not which gave a way to emergence of new power i.e. The Britishers.