The Battles of Panipat refer to three significant conflicts in Indian history, fought near the town of Panipat in present-day Haryana. The first battle, in 1526, marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India, where Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi. The second battle, in 1556, saw Akbar, Babur's grandson, secure the Mughal rule against the forces of Hemu. The third battle, fought in 1761, was a pivotal conflict between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire led by Ahmad Shah Durrani. This battle resulted in a significant loss for the Marathas, leading to a power vacuum in northern India. Each battle had lasting impacts on the political landscape of the region.