Which of the following wars took place in the year 1761?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Panipat III.
The war that took place in the year 1761 was the Third Battle of Panipat. It was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the invading forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali (also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani), the ruler of Afghanistan. This battle is considered one of the largest and bloodiest fought in the 18th century. The Marathas, despite their strength, suffered a massive defeat due to poor coordination and strategic errors. The battle marked a significant setback for the Maratha Empire and altered the power dynamics in India, paving the way for British colonial expansion.
Other options :
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Wandiwash (1760): Battle between the French and British in southern India during the Carnatic Wars.
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Panipat II (1556): Battle between Akbar and Hemu, much earlier than 1761.
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Buxar (1764): Battle between the British East India Company and the combined forces of Indian rulers.