Panipat

Panipat is a city in the Indian state of Haryana and serves as the administrative headquarters of Panipat district. It is located in the northern part of the state, about 90 kilometers north of Delhi, and is a regional center for commerce and industry. The city has long been a crossroads for military campaigns and trade routes linking northern and western India.

The history of Panipat is widely noted for three major battles that altered Indian history. The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the rise of the Mughal Empire when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi. The Second Battle in 1556 consolidated Mughal rule after the defeat of Hemu. The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 saw Ahmad Shah Durrani defeat the Marathas, a defeat that reshaped power in northern India and influenced subsequent regional politics.

Economically, Panipat is known as the City of Weavers for its large-scale textile and handloom industry. It produces home textiles, bed linens, towels, and other fabrics that are sold domestically and abroad. The Panipat Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, operated by Indian Oil Corporation, is one of northern India's largest refineries and supports local employment. The city also hosts significant agricultural and grain markets.

Panipat is connected by road and rail to major cities in northern India. It has a municipal government and provides standard public services, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The city preserves historical sites and markets that reflect its heritage.