The Second Battle of Panipat was fought on November 5, 1556, between Akbar’s Mughal army and Hemu, a Hindu ruler who had recently captured Delhi. The battle, fought near Panipat in present-day Haryana, was decisive in re-establishing Mughal dominance in northern India. Hemu was struck by an arrow mid-battle, leading to chaos and Mughal victory.

BulletsIn

• Battle fought between Mughal forces and Hemu near Panipat on Nov 5, 1556
• Hemu had declared himself ruler after defeating Mughals in Delhi
• Akbar’s guardian Bairam Khan led Mughal forces to reclaim Delhi and Agra
• Hemu’s elephants and cavalry initially broke Mughal formation
• Terrain disadvantage: elephants stuck due to steep ravine, limiting attack
• Hemu struck in the eye by arrow, fell unconscious in key battle moment
• Afghan troops panicked after leader fell, Mughal cavalry took control
• Hemu captured alive, later executed by Bairam Khan
• Mughal victory solidified Akbar’s rule and expanded empire in north India
• Hemu’s elephants integrated into Mughal forces; Adil Shah also defeated later