Second Battle of Panipat
Panipat, Haryana, India
What happened
The Mughal army of the young Emperor Akbar, led by his guardian Bairam Khan, fought the army of Hemu (Hemchandra Vikramaditya). After the death of the Mughal emperor Humayun, Hemu, a gifted general who had risen from humble beginnings, captured Delhi and Agra and took the royal title Vikramaditya. The young Akbar's army marched to win them back. At Panipat, Hemu was struck in the eye by an arrow and fell unconscious, his army scattered, and he was captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It secured Mughal rule over northern India at the start of Akbar's long reign. Akbar had become emperor after the death of his father, Humayun.
What came next
Akbar retook Delhi and Agra. The Mughals were so impressed by Hemu's war elephants that elephants became a regular part of their armies.
Did you know?
Hemu began his career as a saltpetre trader and is said to have won about 22 battles.
Timeline
- 1556Humayun dies, and young Akbar becomes emperor.
- October 1556Hemu takes Delhi and the title Vikramaditya.
- 5 November 1556Akbar's army wins the Second Battle of Panipat.
- 1556Akbar retakes Delhi and Agra.