List of Important Battles in Indian History

The important battles in Indian History cover all the major events and battles that took place during ancient, medieval and modern history. Given the long history of conquering and invasion, India has witnessed a huge number of wars which were fought for the quest of power, religious domination and territorial control. In this article, we are going to look into these wars and their important dates and significance. 

Important Battles in Indian History

The important battles in Indian history are the ones that have left a lasting impact on the topography, culture and political environment of India. The battles in Indian history can be divided into three periods: 

• Ancient period 
• Medieval period 
• Modern period 

Important Battles in Ancient India History

Ancient Indian History has witnessed some important battles that reflect on the culture, philosophies and flourishing economy of that period. Once known as the “sone ki chidiya”, India was invaded by some powerful dynasties, with the intention of expansion and power control. 

Important Battles in Medieval Indian History

Medieval India saw the invasion of the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate both constituting powerful empires. Both being powerful kingdoms, this period saw a rise in political struggles for supremacy in India and military conflicts. List of important battles in Medieval Indian History include: 

List of Important Battles in Modern Indian History

Modern History of India constitutes a major power supremacy of the British and their ruling. The wars fought during this period shaped the political landscape of India and also acknowledged the wars fought by Indians against the British to get freedom from colonial rule. Important battles in Modern Indian History include: 

Top 10 Battles in Indian History

Here is a list of the top 10 most important battles in Indian history, based on their historical impact and legacy:

1. Battle of Kurukshetra (Mahabharata) 

• Date: Legendary (circa 3000 BCE)
• Significance: Fought between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the battle of Kurukshetra is a mythological battle which shaped the narrative in Indian culture about the Mahabharata and its philosophy. 

2. Battle of Hydaspes 

• Date: 326 BCE
• Combatants: Alexander the Great vs. King Porus of Paurava
• Significance: fought on the banks of Jhelum River, the battle of Hydaspes was one of the biggest victories of Alexander. However, while King Porus was defeated, his efforts to resist were appreciated by Alexander. 

3. Kalinga War 

• Date: 261 BCE
• Combatants: Emperor Ashoka and the kingdom of Kalinga.
• Significance: Ashoka is remembered to play an important role in preaching and promoting Buddhism in India as well in other nations. After the casualties that occured in the Kalinga War, Ashoka gave up on violence and decided to follow a non-violence life and embrace buddhism. 

4. Battle of Panipat 

• Date: April 21, 1526
• Combatants: Babur vs. Ibrahim Lodi
• Significance: The beginning of Mughal Empire in India witnessed the first battle of Panipat that was fought in between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. This war played a significant role in shaping Indian history by marking the start of Mughal Rule in India. 

5. Battle of Talikota

• Date: January 26, 1565
• Combatants: Deccan Sultanates vs. Vijayanagara Empire
• Significance: Battle of Talikota marked the collapse of Vijayanagara empire by a combined effort of the Deccan sultanate to fight against the power in south India. 

6. Battle of Plassey

• Date: June 23, 1757
• Combatants: British East India Company vs. Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula
• Significance: 
• This battle marked the beginning of British rule in India. The British victory, largely due to treachery within the Nawab’s ranks, led to British domination of Bengal and, eventually, most of India.

7. Battle of Buxar 

• Date: October 22, 1764
• Combatants: British East India Company vs. Shuja-ud-Daula, Mir Qasim, and the Nawab of Oudh
• Significance: This war increased the influence of British over India and led to the expansion of British Colonial power, strengthening the control of British East India Company over Bengal territory.

8. Battle of Kolhapur 

• Year: 1779
• Combatants: Marathas vs. British East India Company
• Significance: Showed the resilience of Maratha Empire through the key battle of maratha-british conflict. After this war, the Marathas emerged as a powerful empire in Indian politics.

9. First Battle of Indian Independence 

• Year: 1857
• Combatants: Indian rebels (Sepoys) vs. British East India Company
• Significance: the Revolt against British Rule was the first war of Indian Independence. All the wars after this event were inspired from this war of 1857.

10. Battle of Kohima

• Date: April 4 to June 22, 1944
• Combatants: British-Indian forces vs. Imperial Japanese Army
• Significance: A turning point in World War II where British-Indian troops halted Japan’s advance into India, shifting momentum in favor of the Allies in Southeast Asia.

All Battles fought in the past have played an important role in impacting the cultural and political history of India whether it involved struggle of independence, spread of religious changes and territorial dominance.