Historical Events
Third Battle of Panipat
Jan 14 Third Battle of Panipat: In one of the largest battles of the century, the mostly Muslim Afghani Durrani Empire defeats the mostly Hindu Maratha Empire in Northern India. An estimated 60,000–70,000 were killed in the fighting and about 40,000 Maratha prisoners massacred afterwards.
- Jan 16 The British capture Pondicherry, India, from the French
Famous Birthdays
- Jan 17 James Hall, Scottish geologist, born in Dunglass, Scotland (d. 1832)
- Jan 20 Giovanni Domenico Perotti, Italian composer, born in Vercelli, Kingdom of Sardinia (d. 1855)
- Jan 23 Friedrich von Matthison, German poet (Adelaide), born in Hohendodeleben, Germany (d. 1831)
- Jan 29 Albert Gallatin, Swiss-American politician, Secretary of the Treasury (1801-14), born in Geneva, Switzerland (d. 1849)
Famous Deaths
- Jan 3 Willem de Fesch, Dutch violinist and composer (Joseph), dies at 73
- Jan 4 Stephen Hales, English physiologist, chemist and inventor (first person to measure blood pressure), dies at 83
- Jan 10 Edward Boscawen, British admiral in the Royal Navy, dies at 49
- Jan 19 Charlotte Aglaé of Orléans, French noblewoman and Duchess of Modena and Reggio (1737-61), dies at 60
