Question

Conflict with the Afghans.

Answer 1

1. The conflict with the Afghans refers to the struggle between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali, the ruler of Afghanistan, during the mid-18th century. The tensions began when the Marathas punished the Rohillas, who were Afghan settlers in Rohilkhand. This provoked Abdali, who aimed to expand his empire into northern India.
2. In 1751 CE, Abdali invaded Punjab. During this time, the Mughal Empire was weak, and the emperor sought help from the Marathas to counter threats from groups like the Rohillas and Abdali. A treaty was signed in April 1752, granting the Marathas rights to collect Chauthai in regions like Punjab, Multan, Sindh, and Rohilkhand, and also the Subhedari of Ajmer and Agra.
3. The Maratha armies under Shinde and Holkar were sent to defend Delhi. Abdali withdrew temporarily, but the Mughal emperor further granted the Marathas rights over Kabul, Kandahar, and Peshawar. As per the treaty, the Marathas were to reclaim these regions from Abdali.
4. This expansionist aim led to a direct conflict, culminating in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, marking a major turning point in Indian history.