Q. Who led the Maratha forces in the 3rd Battle of Panipat in 1761?
(a) Vishwanath Rao
(b) Sadashiva Rao
(c) Madhava Rao
(d) Dattaji Scindia
Ans: (b) Sadashiva Rao
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Sadashiva Rao.
Sadashiva Rao Bhau, also known as Bhau Sahib, led the Maratha forces in the 3rd Battle of Panipat in 1761. He was a prominent commander and the cousin of the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire, Nanasaheb Peshwa. The battle took place on January 14, 1761, near Panipat in present-day Haryana, India.
The Marathas, under the leadership of Sadashiva Rao Bhau, faced the Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Afghan forces, inflicting heavy casualties on the Marathas. It is considered one of the bloodiest battles in Indian history and had significant consequences for the Maratha Empire’s power and influence in North India.
