CARNATIC WARS

Carnatic Wars were a series of three significant military conflicts that fundamentally shaped trajectory of colonial India. Fought between British East India Company & French East India Company in mid-18th century these wars were driven by a combination of European rivalry, Indian political struggles & larger global conflicts. The outcome of these wars decisively tilted balance in favor of British supremacy in India marking beginning of a long period of British colonial rule & decline of French influence in South Asia.

Root Causes of the Carnatic Wars

Carnatic Wars were fueled by a mix of European & Indian factors each contributing to escalation of the conflict.

1. Decline of Mughal Empire

By early 18th century Mughal Empire once a dominant force in India was crumbling under internal decay & external pressure. This decline led to a fragmentation of power with regional rulers asserting their independence. Key players included:

• Nizam of Hyderabad who established control over the Deccan Plateau.
• Nawab of Carnatic who exerted influence in the south.
• Marathas who rapidly expanded their territory & influence. With Mughal Empire losing its grip European trading companies especially British & French saw an opportunity to intervene in local politics aligning with regional rulers to secure their economic & military interests.

2. Anglo-French Rivalry in India

The competition between Britain & France for global supremacy spilled into their colonies. Both British East India Company & French East India Company had established fortified trading posts along Indian coast. Their growing military & economic ambitions led them to directly support opposing Indian rulers in order to gain political & military leverage. This rivalry soon evolved into direct military confrontations as both sought to dominate India’s lucrative trade routes.

3. Global European Conflicts

Carnatic Wars were part of broader European struggles that affected their colonies in India. Several major European wars such as Austrian War of Succession (1740–1748) & Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) had a direct impact on the Indian subcontinent. These European conflicts fought over territorial & economic gains found their echo in the military confrontations between British & French in India. Battles in India became extensions of these global power struggles with both nations vying to control resources & trade routes.

4. Strategic Importance of the Carnatic Region

Carnatic region comprising parts of modern-day Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh was vital due to its geographical position. It served as both a trade & military gateway to South India making control of the area essential for any European power seeking dominance in the region. In this context controlling Carnatic was tantamount to controlling South India’s economy & politics.

First Carnatic War (1746–1748)

First Carnatic War was a direct extension of Austrian War of Succession with British & French engaging in a military struggle for supremacy.

• European Conflicts Spill Over into India: Austrian War of Succession (1740-1748) & Seven Years War: had far-reaching consequences beyond Europe notably in colonial possessions like North America & India. As tensions between Britain & France escalated in Europe they extended to Indian subcontinent, where the two powers vied for control of critical territories and resources.

• Escalation of Tensions: conflict in India began when Dupliex newly appointed French Governor of Pondicherry requested Morse British Governor of Madras to maintain neutrality. However situation took a dramatic turn when a British squadron under Commodore Barnett seized several French vessels carrying valuable Indian goods sparking increased hostilities.

• Seeking Assistance from Nawab of Carnatic: Dupleix appealed to Anwar-ud-dinNawab of Carnatic for support to avoid full-scale war with British. This intervention resulted in a temporary lull but situation soon reignited as both sides prepared for open conflict.

• French Naval Response: Dupleix’s diplomatic efforts led to the arrival of La Bourdonnais French Governor of Isle of France with a formidable fleet of eight warships. Meanwhile Peyton commanding British squadron of four ships intercepted French fleet in Indian waters. Despite early setbacks Peyton retreated to Hoogly (Calcutta) anticipating reinforcements from Britain.

• The Fall of Madras: In a decisive turn of events French squadron succeeded in capturing Madras on September 15, 1746, after British failed to defend the city. Governor Morse initially demanding military assistance instead turned to the Nawab of Carnatic for aid. Dupleix playing a clever diplomatic game persuaded the Nawab that Madras would be handed over to him after it was captured from the British.

• British Relinquishment of Madras: On September 21, 1746 British were forced to relinquish Madras to the French. However when the Nawab of Carnatic insisted that the French honor their promise to hand over the city to him Dupleix backtracked avoiding the request & continuing his control over Madras.

• The Battle of San Thome and Adyar: Frustrated by the French’s refusal to fulfill their promise Nawab of Carnatic sent a force of 10,000 soldiers led by his son Mahfuz Khan to capture the city. Nawab’s forces succeeded in blockading Fort St. George heart of British power in Madras. However French reinforced by additional troops launched a counterattack pushing Nawab’s forces back to San Thome. The decisive battle occurred near the Adyar River where the French forces despite initial resistance overwhelmed the Nawab’s forces inflicting heavy casualties.

• Dupleix’s Shifting Allegiances: After his victory at Adyar Dupleix shifted his focus towards Fort St. David in Cuddalore a British stronghold. As the British supported by Nawab of Arcot sought to recapture lost territories Dupleix employed his diplomatic skills offering to raise the Nawab’s flag over Fort St. George for a week in return for his support. The Nawab swayed by this promise withdrew his backing of the British &  instead aligned himself with the French.

• Failed British Attempts to Capture Pondicherry: In retaliation British launched two unsuccessful attempts to capture Pondicherry under Rear-Admiral Boscawen but both failed. With the war showing no signs of resolution both sides sought peace.

• Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748): By 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed effectively ending hostilities between Britain & France in India. The treaty stipulated that the French would hand over Madras to British in exchange for the return of Louisburg in North America. While the treaty brought temporary peace rivalry between Britain & France over control of Indian territories would continue to shape the course of Indian history for decades to come.

In short,

Causes of First Carnatic War

• Anglo-French Rivalry in Europe: conflict in Europe soon found its way to India. Commodore Curtis Barnett of the British Navy launched attacks on French shipping in the Indian Ocean which escalated tensions between the two powers.
• French Expansion Under Dupleix: French Governor Joseph François Dupleix aimed to assert French power in India. He sought to defeat the British & strengthen French influence by supporting local rulers aligned with his interests.

Key Events of First Carnatic War

1. Capture of Madras (1746):
   • French Admiral La Bourdonnais captured Madras in September 1746 marking a significant early victory for the French. British sought assistance from the Nawab of Carnatic Anwaruddin Khan to reclaim the city.
2. Battle of Adyar (1746):
   • In an attempt to recapture Madras Nawab of Carnatic sent 10,000 troops but despite their numerical superiority French defeated them with superior European military tactics.
3. British Siege of Pondicherry (1748):
   • British attempted to capture French stronghold of Pondicherry but Dupleix mounted a successful defense preventing the British from gaining control.

Outcome of the First Carnatic War

• Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) brought a temporary peace with Madras being returned to the British in exchange for Louisbourg in Canada.
• While peace was restored tensions between the British &  French remained setting the stage for further conflict.

Second Carnatic War (1749–1754)

Second Carnatic War was a critical conflict in the larger struggle for supremacy between British & French in India. French Governor Dupleix determined to strengthen French influence in region sought to capture strategic city of Tiruchirappalli with the help of Chanda Sahib. Chanda Sahib’s forces  supported by 900 French troops aimed to challenge dominance of Muhammad Ali who was backed by only 5,000 soldiers & around 600 Englishmen.

Triple Alliance & Rise of French Influence in South India

• French Support for Regional Leaders: After death of Asaf Jah in 1748 Dupleix strategically supported Muzaffar Jung grandson of Asaf Jah as Nizam of Hyderabad. In Carnatic region Dupleix also supported claim of Chanda Sahib to Nawabship of Arcot. This led to the formation of a Triple Alliance between the French, Nizam & Nawab of Carnatic aimed at consolidating French power in region.

• British Opposition: In response British East India Company sought to counter French influence by backing rival candidates. Nasir Jung was supported by British as candidate for the Nizam of Hyderabad & after death of Anwar-ud-din in Battle of Ambur (1749) British also backed Muhammad Ali for position of Nawab of Carnatic.

• French Military Success & Battle of Ambur: Conflict escalated with Battle of Ambur in 1749 where French-backed forces emerged victorious. Following this success French in collaboration with Nizam’s forces moved into the Deccan region securing French position. During this period Nasir Jung was killed in battle & Muzaffar Jung was installed as Nizam of Hyderabad in December 1750.

• Dupleix’s Vision for a French Empire: For a brief period Dupleix’s vision of establishing a French Empire in India seemed achievable. With the support of the Nizam & Chanda Sahib Dupleix enjoyed significant wealth and territorial gains further cementing French position in southern India.

• Assassination of Muzaffar Jung: However Muzaffar Jung’s reign was short-lived. He was assassinated by a faction that had previously killed Nasir Jung. In response Bussy French general swiftly intervened to secure the Nizam’s throne. He installed Salabat Jung brother of Nasir Jung as new Nizam of Hyderabad.

• Bussy’s Strategic Actions & Conflict in Tiruchirappalli: With the situation stabilizing under Salabat Jung Chanda Sahib backed by French &  Nizam, set his sights on Tiruchirappalli to challenge growing influence of the British in region. His goal was to capture Muhammad Ali a rival claimant supported by the British to consolidate French influence in Carnatic region.

Robert Clive & Second Carnatic War: A Strategic Turning Point

• Clive’s Bold Strategy: Proposed a groundbreaking strategy that would dramatically shift course of war. Instead of focusing on Tiruchirappalli Clive suggested storming Arcot a crucial fortress while French & Nawab’s forces were engaged in the siege of Tiruchirappalli. This decision would force French to divert attention weakening their efforts elsewhere.

• Support from Local Rulers: As Clive anticipated his forces were bolstered by support from local rulers. Raja of Mysore & ruler of Thanjavur rallied behind Muhammad Ali strengthening the British position. In response Chanda Sahib sent a 3,000-strong force led by his son Raja Sahib to reclaim Arcot.

• Siege of Arcot: On August 31 Clive & his forces succeeded in capturing Arcot pivotal moment in the conflict. However they were immediately besieged by Raja Sahib & French forces enduring a grueling 53-day siege. Despite being outnumbered Clive’s leadership & strategic ingenuity enabled the British to hold the fort & inflict heavy losses on besieging forces.

• Battle of Arni and Beyond: Clive’s forces in alliance with Maratha ruler Murari Rao faced a massive combined force of French troops &  Nawab’s army at Battle of Arni. British despite being heavily outnumbered managed to secure a crucial victory & in subsequent battles Chanda Sahib was captured & executed. This victory ensured Muhammad Ali’s position as uncontested ruler of Carnatic region solidifying British influence in southern India.

While conflict raged on in India, Britain & France were not officially at war in Europe & both nations disapproved of the East India Companies’ involvement in India’s internal conflicts. As a result French government recalled Governor Dupleix leading to a shift in French priorities.

Treaty of Pondicherry was signed in 1755 between Britain & France officially ending hostilities in Carnatic. The treaty stipulated that both nations would refrain from interfering in the disputes of Indian princes & would respect each other’s territorial holdings in India. These boundaries remained largely unchanged for nearly two centuries until India gained independence in 1947.

In short,

Second Carnatic War was primarily driven by succession disputes in Nizam of Hyderabad & Nawab of Carnatic’s territories with both European powers backing opposing factions.

Causes of Second Carnatic War

• Succession Disputes: After the deaths of both Nizam of Hyderabad & Nawab of Carnatic rival claimants emerged &  British & French supported competing factions turning local power struggle into a full-scale war.
• Dupleix’s Expansion Plans: Dupleix continued his strategy to dominate the region by manipulating Indian politics & supporting his preferred candidates for regional leadership.

Key Events of Second Carnatic War

1. Battle for Hyderabad (1749–1751):
   • French supported Muzaffar Jung as Nizam of Hyderabad while British backed Nasir Jung. After Nasir Jung’s death French-backed Muzaffar Jung briefly assumed power but he was soon assassinated & British-backed Salabat Jung took over as Nizam.
2. Battle of Arcot (1751):
   • A decisive moment in war came when British officer Robert Clive captured strategic city of Arcot. Clive’s successful defense of city marked a turning point in conflict.
3. Recall of Dupleix (1754):
   • French government grew dissatisfied with Dupleix’s results & recalled him to France leading to a decline in French influence.

Outcome of the Second Carnatic War

• British emerged victorious with Muhammad Ali gaining control as the Nawab of Carnatic.
• French under Dupleix’s leadership suffered a significant setback weakening their position in South India.

Third Carnatic War (1756–1763)   

With outbreak of Seven Years’ War Robert Clive played a pivotal role in shifting power dynamics in India. He led British forces in capturing Chandranagore French settlement in Bengal. This decisive action effectively ended French influence in the region marking a significant blow to France’s colonial ambitions in Bengal. However despite this loss French retained considerable power in South of India.

• Appointment of Count de Lally: French government appointed Count de Lally as Supreme Commander of French forces. Lally wasted no time in asserting French control swiftly securing Fort St. David after a brief but intense siege. This victory provided the French with a foothold even as British were preoccupied with their efforts in Bengal.

French lost control of Rajahmundry in 1758 & Masulipatam in 1759 two important territories. These losses signalled a weakening of French power in region further undermining their position against British.

• Nizam’s Shift in Allegiance: Salabat Jung Nizam of Hyderabad signed an agreement with British without engaging in direct combat. This agreement led to the transfer of Masulipatam & Northern Circars from French control to British hands. This diplomatic shift further tilted balance of power in favor of British & weakened French position in the Deccan.

• Siege of Madras and the British Relief Effort: In December 1758 French initiated Siege of Madras hoping to capture this key British stronghold. While both sides suffered casualties French were unable to make significant progress in their siege. British forces led by General Pocock arrived with a fleet to relieve Madras. The timely intervention of British naval power forced Lally to lift the siege & retreat to Kanchipuram marking a significant setback for the French.

Battle of Wandiwash & Fall of Pondicherry

Following retirement of the French commander Lally to Pondicherry a French contingent remained stationed in Arcot. Meanwhile Sir Eyre Coote leading British forces began advancing towards Wandiwash in early 1760. However in a surprising tactical move Coote shifted his focus to Kanchipuram successfully capturing city which strategically weakened the French position.

• Battle of Wandiwash: Decisive clash between British & French forces took place in January 1760 at Wandiwash (also known as Vandavasi). Coote’s forces confronted Lally & his French troops in a battle that would prove to be a turning point. French were decisively defeated & French commander Bussy was captured. Lally recognizing gravity of the defeat retreated to Pondicherry a stronghold that had long been central to French ambitions in India.

• Siege of Pondicherry: After battle British set their sights on Pondicherry launching a prolonged siege that lasted several months. Despite French putting up a valiant defense superior British forces gradually wore them down. In February 1761 French capital in India fell to the British marking a monumental shift in control of the region.

• Capture of Mahe: British also captured Mahe in 1761. With both Pondicherry & Mahe now under British control French no longer had any substantial territorial holdings in India.

• Treaty of Paris: After years of conflict hostilities between Britain & France in India came to an end with the signing of Treaty of Paris in 1763 concluding broader Seven Years’ War. As part of treaty Pondicherry & Chandranagore were returned to French control but terms of the agreement severely restricted French presence in India. French were limited to small enclaves, notably Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanaon (all in Union Territory of Puducherry) as well as Mahe in Kerala & Chandranagore in Bengal.

• English Ascendancy: British East India Company having evolved from a mere trading entity into a territorial power emerged as the preeminent colonial force in Indian subcontinent. The fall of French power in India marked a decisive step in Britain’s imperial expansion paving the way for nearly two centuries of British rule over India.

In short,

Third Carnatic War coincided with the broader Seven Years’ War further consolidating British dominance in India.

Causes of the Third Carnatic War

• conflict in India was part of the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) a global struggle between Britain & France for supremacy. Both powers sought to secure control over Indian trade & resources using military power to achieve their goals.

Key Events of Third Carnatic War

1. Capture of Chandernagore (1757):
   • The British seized the French settlement of Chandernagore a significant blow to French interests in India.
2. Battle of Wandiwash (1760):
   • The British under General Eyre Coote decisively defeated the French forces led by Count de Lally. This victory effectively ended French military power in India.
3. Fall of Pondicherry (1761):
   • In the final blow, the British captured Pondicherry forcing the French to surrender.

Outcome of the Third Carnatic War

• Treaty of Paris (1763): French were forced to relinquish all military power in India. French East India Company was permitted only limited trade in select ports.
• British East India Company emerged as undisputed power in India securing their hold over vast swaths of territory.

Lasting Impact of the Carnatic Wars

Carnatic Wars had profound consequences for both India &  global balance of power.

1. Elimination of French Power:
   • French were decisively weakened & their ability to challenge British supremacy in India was extinguished.
2. Rise of British Colonial Rule:
   • British East India Company emerged as dominant force in India eventually laying foundations for British Empire’s rule over the subcontinent.
3. Military Lessons for Indians:
   • The wars demonstrated the superiority of European-trained armies which influenced Indian rulers to modernize their military forces.
4. Setting Stage for British Expansion:
   • The Carnatic Wars paved the way for future British victories including the Battle of Plassey (1757) & Battle of Buxar (1764). By 1765 Britain had consolidated control over Bengal, Bihar, Orissa & South India setting the stage for nearly two centuries of British colonial dominance.

Practice Questions  

UPSC Prelims

1. Consider following statements:

1. Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) ended First Carnatic War.
2. In Second Carnatic War British supported Muhammad Ali as Nawab of Carnatic.
3. French lost all military power in India after Third Carnatic War.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3

2. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Battle of Wandiwash (1760)?

1. It was a decisive battle in Third Carnatic War.
2. French were led by General Bussy.
3. British were led by General Eyre Coote.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

3. Carnatic Wars were a series of conflicts fought between which of  following parties?

a) Marathas & British East India Company
b) Marathas & French East India Company
c) British East India Company & French East India Company
d) Marathas & Mughal Empire

Answer: c)

4. Which of the following battles marked the turning point in the Second Carnatic War?

a) Battle of Plassey
b) Battle of Wandiwash
c) Battle of Arcot
d) Battle of Adyar

Answer: c)

5. Which of the following treaties formally ended the First Carnatic War?

a) Treaty of Paris
b) Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
c) Treaty of Versailles
d) Treaty of Utrecht

Answer: b)

UPSC Mains

1. Discuss role of the Carnatic Wars in decline of French power in India. How did these wars shape future of British colonial expansion in India?
2. Analyze strategic importance of Carnatic region in context of Carnatic Wars. How did control over this region influence outcomes of these conflicts?
3. Evaluate military strategies employed by British East India Company & French East India Company during the Carnatic Wars. How did these strategies determine outcome of conflicts?
4. Examine role of Indian rulers such as Nizam of Hyderabad & Nawab of Carnatic in Carnatic Wars. How did their alliances with the European powers shape the outcome of the wars?
5. The Carnatic Wars were not just a result of European rivalries but also influenced by local politics in India. Analyze the political dynamics in South India that contributed to the escalation of these conflicts.
6. What were the key military & diplomatic outcomes of the Treaty of Paris (1763) that concluded the Third Carnatic War? How did this treaty affect the balance of power in India?
7. The Carnatic Wars were pivotal in shaping British dominance in India. Discuss the long-term impact of these wars on the political, economic, military landscape of India.

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