The Third Battle of Panipat resulted from the growing rivalry between the forces of Sadashiv Rao Bhau of the Maratha empire and Ahmad Shah Durrani’s Afghan forces. As Mughal authority weakened in the mid-18th century, the Marathas extended their influence across much of the Indian subcontinent. After Durrani’s fourth invasion established Afghan control in the Punjab, the Marathas advanced into the region at the invitation of Adina Beg Khan (a former Mughal governor of the province), directly challenging Durrani’s authority. Tensions escalated through military campaigns, failed negotiations, and fighting around Delhi before both armies confronted each other at Panipat.
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