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Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE against the kingdom of Kalinga (modern Odisha). The immense bloodshed (approximately 100,000 killed and 150,000 deported) transformed Ashoka into a follower of Buddhism.
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Important Battles in Indian history are asked in UPSC, SSC CGL, Railway, and State PCS exams. Key battles include the First Battle of Panipat (1526), Second Battle of Panipat (1556), Third Battle of Panipat (1761), Battle of Plassey (1757), Battle of Buxar (1764), and Battle of Haldighati (1576). These battles shaped the political and social history of India.
The First Battle of Panipat (April 21, 1526) was fought between Babur of the Timurid dynasty and Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur won using superior military tactics including field artillery and flanking maneuvers. This battle ended the Delhi Sultanate and established the Mughal Empire in India. The use of gunpowder and artillery was a game-changer in Indian warfare.
The Battle of Plassey (June 23, 1757) was fought between the British East India Company led by Robert Clive and Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah of Bengal. The British won due to the betrayal of Mir Jafar. This battle established British dominance in Bengal and is considered the foundation of British rule in India.
The Battle of Buxar (October 22, 1764) was fought between the British East India Company and a combined army of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Shah Alam II. The British won and it resulted in the Treaty of Allahabad (1765). This battle confirmed British supremacy over the Mughal Empire and paved the way for the Diwani Rights in Bengal.
The Third Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761) was fought between the Maratha Confederacy and Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghan ruler). The Marathas suffered a decisive defeat, resulting in the deaths of Viswas Rao and Sadashivrao Bhau. This battle ended the Maratha dream of pan-Indian domination and paved the way for British expansion.
