Barari Ghat, Battle of

▪ Indian history

      (Jan. 9, 1760), in Indian history, one of a series of Afghan (Pashtun) victories over the Marathas (Marāṭhā) in their war to gain control of the decaying Mughal Empire, which gave the British time in which to consolidate their power in Bengal. At the Barari Ghat (ferry station) of the Jumna (Yamuna) River (Yamuna River), 10 miles (16 km) north of Delhi, the Maratha chief Dattaji Sindhia, retreating from the Punjab before the Afghan army of Aḥmad Shah Durrānī (Aḥmad Shāh Durrānī), was surprised by Afghan troops who, concealed by high reeds, crossed the river. Dattaji was killed and his army scattered. His defeat opened the way to the Afghan occupation of Delhi.

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