Why did the Maratha lose Panipat?

The Marathas lost Panipat for the following reasons:

• The heavy mounted artillery of the Afghans proved much better on the battlefield than the light artillery of the Marathas.

• In terms of numeric and qualitative terms, the Afghans had the edge over the Marathas.

• The unfamiliarity of the Marathas regarding the terrain gave a tactical edge to Abdali as his Rohilla allies were familiar with the terrain.

• Abdali had made diplomatic alliances with the Hindu and Muslim chiefs of the region while the Maratha commnders had not made such overtures. Because of this the Marathas lacked critical support at the most crucial juncture of the battle.

For further reading check the following articles:

• Maratha Empire
• Baji Rao I
• Mughal Empire.