The Carnatic Wars (First, Second, and Third ) - 2 | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Battle of Wandiwash

• The decisive battle of the Third Carnatic War was won by the English on January 22, 1760, at Wandiwash (or Vandavasi) in Tamil Nadu.
• British commander Sir Eyre Coote defeated the French under the Comte de Lally at the Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 and took Bussy as a prisoner.
• After Wandiwash, the French capital of Pondicherry fell to the British in 1761.
• Pondicherry was defended by Lally for eight months before he surrendered on January 16, 1761.
• With the loss of Jinji and Mahe, French power in India was significantly reduced.
• The Battle of Wandiwash was significant due to the large number of European troops involved on both sides, resulting in a complete English victory.
• Lally, after being captured and taken as a prisoner of war in London, returned to France, where he was imprisoned and executed in 1766.

Treaty of Paris (1763):

• The Third Carnatic War, along with the Seven Years War, concluded with the signing of the 1763 Treaty of Paris.
• The treaty returned Chandernagore and Pondicherry to France and allowed the French to have "factories"(trading posts) in India, but prohibited French traders from administering them.
• The French agreed to support British client governments, ending their ambitions of an Indian empire and solidifying British dominance in India.

Result and Significance:

• The Third Carnatic War was decisive. Although the Treaty of Paris (1763) restored French factories in India, French political influence vanished after the war.
• The French, like the Portuguese and Dutch, confined themselves to small enclaves and commerce.
• The French East India Company was dissolved in 1769, eliminating the last major European rival to the English in India.
• The English emerged as the supreme European power in the Indian subcontinent, having defeated the Dutch in the Battle of Bidara in 1759.
• While the Battle of Plassey in 1757 is often seen as the turning point for British rule in India, the victory at Wandiwash in 1760 was crucial as it left the English East India Company without any European rival in India.
• The Battle of Wandiwash featured native sepoys in both armies, highlighting the inevitability of European dominance in India regardless of which side won.
• The English became the de facto masters of the Carnatic, although the Treaty of Paris respected the nawab's nominal sovereignty until 1801.
• After the death of the last nawab in 1801, his territories were annexed, and his heir was given a pension.
• Hyderabad also became dependent on the English, with the nizam granting them the Northern Sarkars in 1766 in exchange for military support.
• The Anglo-French rivalry brought significant numbers of Crown troops to India, enhancing the military power of the English East India Company over other Indian states.
• The balance of power in India began to tilt decisively in favor of the English.

Responsibility of Dupleix

• Dupleix was so focused on political intrigues that he neglected trading and finance. He also struggled to coordinate effectively with the French Government.
• Lally made a significant mistake by recalling Bussy from Hyderabad, which weakened the French government’s influence in the South.
• The success of the British was also due to better English generals, greater cooperation among English officials, and minimal interference from the English government in Company affairs.
• A major reason for the British success in India was the superiority of their commanders. In contrast to the long list of English leaders like Sir Eyre Coote,Major Stringer Lawrence, and Robert Clive, the French had only Dupleix.
• While the British owed much to their leaders, their success was also significantly due to the misfortunes of the French.
• The French faced challenges not just from the British but also from their own government and the Directors of the French East India Company.
• At a time when the French were strong on the Coromandel Coast, the French government agreed to the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which called for a mutual restitution of captured persons and places.
• Despite the French influence in India, where one Frenchman could guide the subahdars and nawabs, the French Company was struggling with reduced revenue, and the French government was yielding to England’s pressure.
• The conclusion of the second Carnatic war dealt a severe blow to French power.
• Before the Treaty of Pondichery, French prospects seemed bright, with Dupleix having a clear plan for success. However, critical setbacks like the capture of Law's army and Chanda Saheb’s death forced a shift in French strategy.
• Despite the disasters, the French hopes were not entirely crushed, and the English were still in a vulnerable position.
• Dupleix had the potential to strengthen French power, especially given the circumstances in Maratha and Mysorean affairs.
• The victories of Dupleix were based on moral strength rather than physical might, a point his superiors failed to grasp.
• In the third phase of the war, France had no advantage in the Carnatic. Even if Lally had achieved complete victory there, the English stronghold in Bengal would have posed a significant challenge.
• The three Anglo-French Wars shaped the dynamics between the Native Indian states, the British, and the French.
• The wars exposed the divisions and military weaknesses among the South Indian kings and Nawabs.
• The British learned the importance of artillery and new warfare techniques, realizing that Indian soldiers were capable but needed training in European military practices.
• Post-wars, the British trained Indian soldiers in European methods for their own political expansion, while ensuring that Indians were not placed in key military roles.
• For the French, the wars marked a decline. The balance of power shifted decisively with the rise of the English East India Company.
• The French East India Company was dissolved in 1769, eliminating Britain’s main European rival in India.
• By this time, the British were the de facto masters of the Carnatic, and although the Treaty of Paris upheld the nawabs’ possessions, their nominal sovereignty lasted until 1801 when their territories were annexed.
• The Anglo-French rivalry brought Crown troops to India in large numbers, significantly strengthening the military power of the English East India Company against other Indian states.
• Ultimately, the rivalry through the three Carnatic wars established the English as the dominant power in India.

Why Did the English Succeed Against Other European Powers?

Structure and Nature of the Trading Companies:

• The English East India Company was formed by merging rival companies.
• It was controlled by an annually elected board of directors.
• Shareholders had significant influence as shares could be bought and sold.
• In contrast, the trading companies of France and Portugal were state-owned.
• These companies operated in a feudalistic manner.
• The French monarch owned over 60% of the company.
• Directors were appointed by the monarch, leading to a lack of shareholder engagement.
• Between 1725 and 1765, the French company was managed like a government department.
• The State guaranteed dividends, resulting in minimal shareholder involvement.

Naval Superiority:

• Britain's Royal Navy was the largest and most advanced of its time.
• This enabled them to defeat the Portuguese and French through superior naval technology and strategy.
• Britain improved its navy by learning from the Portuguese about the importance of an efficient naval fleet.

Industrial Revolution:

• Starting in the early 18th century, the Industrial Revolution in England introduced machines like the spinning Jenny and steam engine, significantly enhancing production in textiles, metallurgy, steam power, and agriculture.
• England's early industrialization gave it an advantage over other European nations, helping maintain its dominance.

Military Skill and Discipline:

• British soldiers were well-trained, disciplined, and led by strategic commanders who employed innovative tactics in warfare.
• Technological advancements further strengthened the military, enabling smaller British forces to defeat larger enemy armies.

Stable Government:

• Except for the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Britain enjoyed stable governance under effective monarchs.
• In contrast, nations like France experienced upheaval during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, weakening their positions.
• Countries like the Dutch and Spain were also weakened by prolonged conflicts, such as the 80-years war, impacting Portuguese imperialism.

Lesser Zeal for Religion:

• Britain was less focused on spreading Christianity compared to Spain, Portugal, or the Dutch, making its rule more acceptable to colonized subjects.

Use of Debt Market:

• Britain's innovative use of debt markets to finance wars set it apart from other European nations.
• The establishment of the Bank of England, the world’s first central bank, allowed Britain to sell government debt with the promise of good returns, enabling greater military expenditure against rivals like France and Spain.

Other:

• Soldiers in the Company's army were better fed and regularly paid compared to those in Mughal successor states.
• Indian bankers preferred the English Company as a more reliable creditor over unstable Indian princes.
• Over time, the English Company reduced its dependence on Indian bankers and established control over revenue resources crucial for financing trade and conquests.

Treaty of Pondicherry (1754) and its Impact

• The war concluded with the Treaty of Pondicherry in 1754, recognizing Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah as the Nawab of Arcot.
• The English and French agreed to stay out of the disputes among native princes.
• The treaty imposed a greater sacrifice on the French compared to the English.
• Each party retained control over the territories they occupied at the time of the treaty.
• Historians believe the French suspended hostilities in India due to fears of repercussions in America.
• The French were unhappy with the treaty's terms.
• The French position at the court of the subahdar (Hyderabad) remained unchanged.
• French leader M. Bussy was crucial in maintaining French power at the subahdar's court.
• Dupleix, the French leader, was recalled to France in 1754 due to dissatisfaction with his political ambitions.
• Godeheu replaced Dupleix as French Governor-General in India and pursued negotiations with the English.
• The French initially had high hopes for Dupleix but eventually decided to return to a purely commercial focus.
• The Treaty of Pondicherry and Dupleix's recall marked the end of a war and the shift in French policy.

Implications:

• The treaty signifies the near success followed by the complete failure of French ambitions.
• It also marks a shift in English policy, showing that European success no longer depended on Indian authority.
• Instead, Indian authority was becoming increasingly reliant on European support.

Third Carnatic War (1758-63): Background

• Godeheu's departure led to M. de Leyrit becoming the French governor in India.
• M. de Leyrit was less inclined towards a pacifist approach than his predecessor.
• Discontent arose due to the British disregard for the Treaty of Pondicherry.
• Leyrit deemed the treaty's demands on French interests untenable.
• The Seven Years War (1756-63) began in Europe, placing Britain and France on opposing sides.
• The war escalated tensions between French and British forces in India.
• Financial strains affected the French, leading to delays in soldier payments.
• The French government was initially apathetic but reacted to hostilities in Europe.
• A strong force was dispatched under Count de Lally.
• The Third Carnatic War extended from southern India to Bengal.
• British forces seized the French settlement of Chandernagore in 1757.
• This capture effectively dismantled French power in Bengal.
• Bussy could not assist in Bengal due to various circumstances.
• At the Battle of Plassey, French influence was waning.
• In 1758, under Count de Lally, the French army captured English forts at St. David and Vizianagaram.
• Lally's campaign was initially a triumph for the French.
• The English were pushed back to Madras, a key location.
• French weakness in the siege of Madras stemmed from several reasons.
• Clive remained active in Bengal and sent Colonel Forde to target French territories.
• Forde's surprise attack on Masulipatam was a significant success.
• The English inflicted heavy losses on the French fleet under Admiral D'Ache.
• Count Lally's decision to withdraw Bussy was questionable.
• This withdrawal allowed Salabat Jang to shift allegiance from the French to Forde.
• An agreement was reached to expel the French from the Deccan.
• French positions in India began to crumble after losses in key territories.
• Chandernagore fell first, followed by the Northern Sarkars.
• The fall of the Sarkars marked the end of French influence in the Deccan.
• No treaty, like the Treaty of Pondicherry, can endure unless the dominant side can subjugate the weaker side.

Background of the Second Carnatic War (1749-54)

• The Second Carnatic War was rooted in the rivalry between the French and the English in India.
• Dupleix, the French governor, aimed to expand French power and influence in southern India.
• He sought to undermine the English by meddling in local disputes.

Immediate Cause:

• The death of Nizam-ul-Mulk, the founder of the independent kingdom of Hyderabad, in 1748, and the release of Chanda Sahib, the son-in-law of Dost Ali, the Nawab of Carnatic, by the Marathas in the same year, created an opportunity for conflict.

Struggle for Succession in Hyderabad (Deccan):

• Following the death of Nizam-ul-Mulk (Subedar) in 1748, a succession conflict erupted.
• The conflict was between Nasir Jung, the Nizam's son, and Muzaffar Jung, the Nizam's grandson.
• Nasir Jung faced opposition from Muzaffar Jung, who claimed the throne based on an appointment by the Mughal Emperor.
• Muzaffar Jung was appointed as governor of the Carnatic.
• At the time of the Nizam's death, Muzaffar Jung was absent, giving Nasir Jung an advantage.

Struggle for the Throne of Nawab of Arcot (Carnatic):

• Anwar-ud-din Khan's appointment as Nawab of the Carnatic was challenged by Chanda Sahib.
• Chanda Sahib had been imprisoned by the Marathas, and the current ruling family under Anwar-ud-din Khan was not aligned with him.
• The French backed Muzaffar Jung and Chanda Sahib, while the British supported Nasir Jung and Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah (son of the deposed Nawab Anwar-ud-din of Arcot).
• The combined forces of Muzaffar Jung, Chanda Sahib, and the French defeated Anwar-ud-din at the Battle of Ambur (near Vellore) in 1749.
• Mohammed Ali, son of Anwar-ud-din, escaped and took refuge in Trichinopoly.

Events

• Chanda Sahib was liberated from his enemies.
• At Arcot, shortly after the battle, Muzaffar Jang declared himself as the Nizam of the Deccan and confirmed Chanda Sahib as his subordinate Nawab of the Carnatic.
• Initially, the French were successful in defeating their opponents.
• Despite their successes, the French and English could not avoid indirect conflict for long.
• Dupleix, though not a soldier, struggled to find competent generals.
• The English Governor of Madras, Saunders, could rely on capable soldiers like Lawrence and Robert Clive.
• By allying with Mohammed Ali, the English also aligned themselves with Nasir Jang.
• This led to two opposing alliances: Muzaffar Jang, Chanda Sahib, and the French on one side, against Nasir Jang, Mohammed Ali, and the English on the other.
• Nasir Jang was the most formidable member of the latter alliance.
• The news of Nasir Jang's approaching army caused panic among the French allies.
• Muzaffar Jang, in despair, surrendered to his uncle, Nasir Jang.
• Chanda Sahib chose to trust the French.
• Dupleix orchestrated a plot with the Patan nawabs, leading to Nasir Jang's death.
• Muzaffar Jang was freed from captivity and proclaimed subahdar.
• The French general M. Bussy accompanied him to his capital, Golconda (Hyderabad).
• Dupleix's diplomacy secured victory for the French party.
• Muzaffar Jang appointed Dupleix as the governor over the land south of the Kistna River to Cape Comorin.
• After Muzaffar Jang was killed in a revolt, M. Bussy released Salabat Jang, Nasir Jang's brother, from captivity.
• The English held only Madras, Fort St. David, and Davicottah in the Carnatic.
• Their ally Mohammed Ali was determined to defend Trichinopoly.
• The British, following Mohammed Ali's advice, sent forces to assist in Trichinopoly.
• The Siege of Arcot (1751): In 1751, Robert Clive and Major Lawrence led British troops to capture Arcot from Chanda Sahib.
• The entire French forces under General Law were trapped on the island of Seringam.
• This led to Chanda Sahib's surrender.
• Through the successful defense of Trichinopoly, the situation in the Carnatic changed dramatically.
• Before the siege, the French were dominant.
• After suffering defeats, they were severely weakened.
• The Siege of Arcot (1751) was considered a heroic achievement.
• The blame for the French failure lies with their leaders at the time.
• Despite having Dupleix, the French lacked strong military leadership.
• The English had capable leaders like Lawrence and Clive.
• The lifting of the siege of Trichinopoly was crucial for the English.
• Clive's success led to further victories for the British and their allies.