The third battle of Panipat was fought between the Afghans and the Marathas. The battle was significant as it marked the end of Maratha dominance in India. At the time of this battle Afghans were under the authority of Ahmed Shah Abdali and the Marathas under the administration of Peshwas had set up control crosswise over Northern India. Amid the eighteenth century the parallel decay of Mughal Empire and thrashing of Marathas in the clash of Panipat saw a fresh start of the provincial govern in India.