Kurukshetra & Panipat are the 2 important battlefields that reshaped India for ever. Both located 72 kms apart in Haryana, India; are the scene of epic battles. The epic ‘Battle of Mahabharat’ was fought between cousins Kaurav and Pandav in ancient times few thousand years ago at Kurukshetra. Panipat saw 3 huge battles in last few hundred years between warring dynasties like Mughals, Maratha, Rajputs, and Turks. Both battlefields have had huge impact on history of India, as the winner sought to wrest control of India.
Kurukshetra Battle
Kurukshetra Is famed for the Kurukshetra War popularly known as the battle of Mahabharat. The war between Kauravs and Pandav that lasted for 18 days was as per general belief fought around 3000 BC. Today there is no record of exact location of where the battle was actually fought except the place. The battle also set the stage for ‘Bhagwat Gita’ the holy book in Hinduism when Krishna sermonized Arjun about doing his duty. Reportedly Krishna stopped time to give the entire sermons of Gita to Arjun. The battle that saw almost total annihilation on both sides with only the 5 Pandavs, Krinhna, Satyaki, and Yuyutsu surviving on one side and Ashwatthama, Sage Kripa and Sage Kritavarma surviving on other side resulted in victory for Pandavs, passing on of control over the coutry to the Pandavs and the supposed initiation of Kaliyug.
Tourist Places
There are a few places worth visiting in and around Kurukshetra. These include Brahmasarovar, Jyotisar, Bhishma Kund, all repoirtedly linked to Mahabhatrat era. Other places worth visiting are Mile Pillars or Kos Minars, Sthaneshwara Mahadev Temple, Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb complex, Raja Harsh Ka Tila, and Bhadrakali or Maa Kal Temple. amoung other places worth visiting are Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre, and Srikrishan Museum. There is a lot to see for nature lovers with Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary or Seonsar Forest and Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary or Seonthi Reserve Forest. Both these forests are a home to numerous species of birds and other animals. Other places worth visiting in nearby areas are Saint Paul’s Church, Pipli Zoo, Bhawani Amba Temple, Karna Lake, and Rani Ka Talaab:. There are several hotels that provide comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices. Rerstaurants serve delicious veg and non veg dishes at reasonable prices. The period between September and March is the best time to visit Kurukshetra.
Panipat
Panipat located 95 km north of Delhi and 169 km south of Chandigarh is the scene of three major battles fought in 1526, 1556 and 1761 that reshaped future of India forever. The city is famous in India as the “City of Weavers” and “Textile City”. It is also known as the “cast-off capital” due to being “the global centre for recycling textiles”
First Battle of Panipat
Fought on 21 April 1526, between the invading forces of Mughal chief Babur and the Lodi dynasty. This was one of the earliest battles involving gunpowder firearms and field artillery in the Indian subcontinent. It resulted in total victory for the Mughals and establishment of the Mughal empire that lasted till 1857.
Second Battle of Panipat
The Second Battle of Panipat was fought on 5 November 1556, not very far from the site of first battle. It was fought between the forces of Hindu emperor of north India, Hemu and the forces of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It resulted in the victory for Mughals, re-establishment of the Mughal empire in India and start of nearly 120 years of peace and prosperity in India.
Third Battle of Panipat
Third Battle of Panipat was fought on 14 January 1761 at almost the same place where the 1st battle was fought. The belligerent were between the Maratha Empire led by Sadashivrao Bhau and the invading Afghan army (of Ahmad Shah Durrani. The battle resulted in huge setback for the Marathas and their virtual eviction from North India for 10 years.
Tourist Places
There are a few places worth visiting in and around Panipat, these include Hemu’s Samadhi Sthal, Ibrahim Lodhi’s Tomb, Kabuli Bagh Mosque, and Kala Amb Park. There are ruins of many forts and temples that tourist can visit in and around Panipat. Also, worth visiting are Panipat Battle Field Memorial, Panipat Museum, Salar Jung Gate and Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Kalandar Dargah. There are several hotels that provide accommodation at reasonable prices. Restaurants there provides sumptuous veg and non veg food. The period between September and March is the best time to visit Panipat.
