Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical status of the Marathas during the Third Carnatic War:
1. The Marathas signed a treaty of absolute neutrality with the British, refusing to help the French.
2. Lally attempted to seek Maratha mercenary support but failed due to a lack of funds and the absence of a unified Maratha command in the south.
3. The disaster at the Battle of Panipat (1761) completely distracted the Marathas from intervening in the final phase of the Carnatic war.
Which of the statements are correct?

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Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Marathas were willing to act as mercenaries for whoever paid, but their crushing defeat at Panipat in January 1761 paralyzed their authority precisely when Pondicherry fell.

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