The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 was fought between which two main powers in North India?

Introduction / Context:
The Third Battle of Panipat is a landmark event in eighteenth century Indian history. Fought in 1761, it marked a major clash between rising Maratha power and invading Afghan forces under Ahmad Shah Abdali. This question tests the ability to identify the two main sides in that battle.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The battle took place at Panipat in 1761.
One side was an Afghan force led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani.
The other side was a coalition led by the Marathas.

Concept / Approach:
The key is to remember that the Third Battle of Panipat did not involve the Sikhs or a strong Mughal force as the principal opponent of the Afghans. Instead it was the Maratha confederacy that confronted Abdali in an attempt to control northern India, leading to a very bloody and decisive battle.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the year 1761 and the names Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas.Recognize that the Afghan army formed one side of the conflict.The Maratha forces under Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao formed the other main side.Therefore, the battle was between Afghans and the Marathas.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard narratives of later Mughal period clearly refer to the Third Battle of Panipat as a contest between the Marathas and Abdali Afghan forces, after which Maratha influence in the north declined for some time.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Sikhs were an emerging power in the region but were not the main adversaries in this specific battle.
The Mughal emperor Shah Alam the Second was politically weak and did not lead a major force at Panipat in 1761.
The option None of the above is incorrect because the well documented opponents were precisely Afghans and Marathas.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the first, second, and third battles of Panipat or mix up the roles of the Marathas, Mughals, and Afghans. Fixing the sequence First Panipat with Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, Second Panipat with Akbar and Hemu, and Third Panipat with Abdali and the Marathas helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Afghans and the Marathas.