The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas and the Afghans. This battle took place on January 14, 1761, in Panipat, present-day Haryana, India. The Marathas, led by their commander-in-chief, Sadashivrao Bhau, faced the Afghan forces under Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali. The battle was a significant event in Indian history as it marked a turning point in the power dynamics of the region. Despite having a larger army, the Marathas suffered a decisive defeat due to a combination of strategic mistakes and the superior cavalry tactics of the Afghans. The impact of this battle was far-reaching, as it weakened the Marathas` influence and paved the way for the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.