Makar Sankranti 1761 & Third Battle Of Panipat: A Bloody Turning Point In India’s History

The Third Battle of Panipat saw the Marathas go up against the Afghan king Ahmad Shah Abdali. While the latter won, the loss of lives was said to be heavy on both sides.

Weapons used by Maratha warriors during the 17th century displayed at 'Shivasrushti', a historical theme park, in Pune. These weapons predate the Third Battle of Panipat, which took place in the 18th century. Representational image.

Source : PTI

Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankrant Day. January 14, 1761. An auspicious day for Hindus across India. But one of the blackest days in the subcontinent’s history. It was the day 50,000-60,000 Maratha warriors and non-combatants accompanying the army were killed, and 20,000-30,000 women and children captured and taken as slaves.  The annals of Indian history have a page steeped in the blood of Maratha warriors, who braved the biting cold of north India — and starvation caused by