Liquidation refers to the process of winding up a company's affairs, where a liquidator is appointed to manage the company's assets and distribute any surplus to creditors and members. The Companies Act 1956 outlines three modes of liquidation: compulsory winding up by the court, voluntary winding up by members, and winding up under court supervision. The document also details the consequences of liquidation, the ranking of creditors, and the preparation of financial statements during the liquidation process.