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Carnatic Wars

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Explore the Carnatic Wars, including Carnatic Wars years, Carnatic Wars start date, Carnatic Wars and treaties, and significant details, with resources like Carnatic Wars PDF and Carnatic Wars map, tailored for Carnatic Wars UPSC preparation. Access Carnatic Wars short notes to grasp key points effectively.

In 1740, Southern India faced a tumultuous political situation. Nizam Asaf Jah of Hyderabad was preoccupied with battling the Marathas in the Deccan, while uncertainty loomed over his succession. The Coromandel coast lacked a strong ruler, upsetting the balance of power. The fall of Hyderabad weakened Muslim influence, and the Maratha kingdom of Tanjore faced interference from the Peshwa of Pune. Karnataka experienced political turmoil, with rivalries among the Marathas, Nizams, and Nawabs. British and French companies exploited this instability, meddling in Karnataka’s affairs.

Despite arriving in India for trade, the British and French soon became embroiled in its politics. Their rivalry mirrored conflicts like the Austrian War of Succession and the Seven Years’ War, culminating in three Carnatic wars between 1746 and 1763. Through these conflicts, the British East India Company emerged as the dominant European commercial entity in India.

Carnatic Wars Years

  • First Carnatic War: 1746–1748
  • Second Carnatic War: 1749–1754
  • Third Carnatic War: 1756–1763

Carnatic Wars Start Date

  • The series of conflicts known as the Carnatic Wars began with the First Carnatic War in 1746.

First War of Carnatic (1744 AD to 1748 AD)

Background

Europeans gave the name Carnatic to the Coromandel coast and interior. The First Carnatic War was a continuation of the European Anglo-French War, which was ignited by the Austrian War of Succession in 1740, and saw British and French companies battling on the battlefield in India.

The Course of the War

To antagonize France, the English navy under Barnet captured some French ships.  French retaliated with the support of the Navy and captured Madras in 1746 AD. This was the beginning of the First Carnatic War. The Britishers also took help from Anwaruddin, the Nawab of  Karnataka. He dispatched an army to seize Madras, but his forces were destroyed by the French Governor Dupleix. In the desire for power and the idea of expansionism Dupleix also had a failed attack on the British fort of St. David 20 kilometres away from Madras. Following that, in 1748 AD, the British attempt to invade Pondicherry was also unsuccessful.

Result

The Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle brought a stop to the Austrian War of Succession and ended the First Carnatic War in 1748. The French received their colonies in North America while Madras was given back to the English.

Significance

  • Both the British and the French gained significant geographical knowledge of the Coromandel coast, which were useful in subsequent wars.
  • This fight demonstrated that a tiny well-trained army can also overcome large armies.
  • The war showed the value of naval and maritime strength. Both powers started to focus on establishing military strength for their protection.
  • Both the French and the British recognized the political weakness in India. As a result, the desire to build their state by intervening in Indian politics grew stronger.

Second War of Carnatic (1750 AD to 1754 AD)

Background

The British and French companies wanted to interfere in Indian politics as a result of the First War of Carnatic. Through the treaties both France and Britain got the opportunity of economic profit in Karnataka and Hyderabad.

The Course of the War

  • Following the death of Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad in 1748, a succession feud occurred between his second son Nasirjung and grandson Muzaffarjang. Chandasaheb, the son-in-law of Dost Ali Khan, a previous Nawab of the Carnatic, on the other hand, desired to be the Nawab of Karnataka. Dupleix decided to help both Chandasahib and Muzaffarjung rise to the throne to fulfill his objective to increase French influence in the country.
  • Anwaruddin Khan, the Nawab of the Carnatic, backed Nasir Jung. This provoked Muzaffar Jung to engage Anwaruddin in combat. Anwaruddin was assassinated in the Battle of Ambur in 1749. Muhammad Ali, the son of Anwaruddin, began battling for the Carnatic Nawabship.
  • Fearing the French, the British began aiding Nasirjung in gaining the Nizam’s crown in Hyderabad and Mohammad Ali in securing his position in Karnataka. As a result, the fight appeared to be concentrated on the British and French powers. In addition to that, Dupleix favored Chandasahib in Karnataka and Muzaffarjung in Hyderabad which proved to be fruitful.
  • As a result, Britishers appointed Muzaffarjung as the subedar of Deccan, and the French were rewarded respectively. Dupleix was named governor of the Mughal provinces south of the Krishna River. The French army was stationed in Hyderabad under the command of Bussy. In 1751, Chandasahib was made the Nawab of Carnatic.
  • To counteract the expanding French authority in the region, British forces headed by Robert Clive invaded Arcot, the Carnatic capital. The siege of Arcot was won by the British. Following this, other battles erupted, one of which resulted in Chanda Sahib’s death.
  • As a result, Muhammad Ali was elevated to the position of Nawab of Carnatic. The Treaty of Pondicherry, signed in 1754, put an end to the conflict.

Result

Because of Dupleix’s policy’s substantial financial losses, the French government chose to recall him in 1754. Godeheu succeeded Dupleix as French governor-general in India, and the Treaty of Pondicherry was signed between the British and the French immediately after he arrived in 1754 AD.

The Treaty of Pondicherry

  1. The British and French renounced all positions and titles granted by the Mughal emperor and other Indian monarchs, agreeing not to meddle in their disputes.
  2. Suzerainty over Fort St. George, Fort St. David, and Devi Kota was captured by the British.
  3. The French lost control of the Machilipatnam area.
  4. Both companies had an equal amount of land and decided that they will not do new constructions of forts or capture new territory if they gain control.
  5. Compensation for the war was decided to be planned and settled.
  6. Muhammad Ali was recognized as the Nawab of Karnataka by both companies.
  7. There will be no difference in the present standing of the two companies until the pact is adopted by European home governments.

Significance

  • The British gained a lot of profit as a result of this treaty. The French suffered great damage, and their dominance over Carnatic came to an end. 
  • As a result of the war, it became evident that both the French and the British wished to participate freely in Indian politics under the cover of their trade to fulfill their imperialist goals.

Third War of Carnatic (1756 AD to 1763 AD)

Background

The Pondicherry Treaty between the British and French companies could not be permanent. Both sides continued to conduct activities against each other indirectly. Therefore, when the Seven World War started in Europe in 1756 AD then the war between British and French companies started in India too.

The Course of the War

The French government sent a powerful army under the leadership of Count Lally to attack the British in India and drive them out and restore French power and prestige in India. In the beginning, Lally was successful. He captured the fort of St. David from the British. Lally also called Busey from Hyderabad for help. This was Lally’s grave mistake because as soon as Busey left Hyderabad, the French influence there ended. The British took control of Machilipatam and made a treaty with Nizam Salabatjung. The British got some more territories from this treaty. French general Lally wanted to conquer Madras by attacking in 1758 AD, but Lally failed and returned to Pondicherry. Finally, in 1760 AD, the British defeated the French badly in the battle of Wandiwash. Busey was taken as a prisoner.

The battle of Wandiwash proved decisive in history. The British surrounded Pondicherry and on January 16, 1761, Lally surrendered. He was prosecuted and sentenced to death. Before the fall of Pondicherry, the British had invaded Trichanapalli and occupied it.  Other French cities like Gingee, Mahi, etc. also came under the control of the British.

The Seven Years’ War in Europe ended with the Treaty of Paris and the Third Carnatic War ended in India as well.

The Treaty of Paris

  1. The French returned their cities of Pondicherry, Mahe, Chandannagar, etc. to them, but they could not build any fortifications.
  2. The number of French troops on the eastern coast of India was limited.
  3. In Bengal, the French only got the right to trade and thus their political power came to an end.
  4. In the south, Muhammad Ali was accepted as the Nawab of Carnatic and Salabatjung as the Nizam of Hyderabad, but from there the French influence was abolished.

Significance

  • The Third Carnatic War was decisive and the Treaty of Paris was very important. 
  • Now the French had ended up as an independent power in India. 
  • Although after this war some French from time to time trained the armies of the Indian monarch on the European method, they did not get any special success in this work. 
  • The end of the French in the field of battlefield and politics paved the way for the expansion of the empire for the British.

Carnatic Wars UPSC

  • The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts in the 18th century between the British East India Company and the French East India Company, along with their Indian allies.
  • These wars were crucial for UPSC history syllabus due to their impact on the establishment of British dominance in India.

Carnatic Wars PDF

  • Many educational websites offer downloadable PDFs summarizing the Carnatic Wars, highlighting key events, dates, and outcomes.
  • These PDFs serve as valuable resources for students and history enthusiasts.

Carnatic Wars and Treaties

  • Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) ended the First Carnatic War, restoring conquered territories but not addressing underlying issues.
  • Treaty of Pondicherry (1754) concluded the Second Carnatic War, leading to a temporary peace between the British and the French.
  • Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the Third Carnatic War, significantly diminishing French power in India in favor of the British.

Carnatic Wars Map

  • Maps depicting the Carnatic Wars illustrate the key regions in South India where battles occurred, including the coastal areas of the Carnatic region.
  • These maps help visualize the strategic locations important to both British and French forces.

Carnatic Wars Short Notes

  • The Carnatic Wars were instrumental in deciding the fate of colonial powers in India, with the British eventually emerging as the dominant force.
  • The conflicts were characterized by battles for control over trade, territory, and political influence in the Carnatic region of South India.
  • The wars highlighted the use of Indian forces in European conflicts and set the stage for the eventual British colonization of India.

Carnatic Wars UPSC – FAQs

What were the Carnatic Wars?

The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts in the mid-18th century between the British and the French, along with their respective Indian allies, for control over the trading ports in the Carnatic region of South India.

When did the Carnatic Wars take place?

The Carnatic Wars took place between 1746 and 1763, encompassing three major wars during this period.

Who were the main contenders in the Carnatic Wars?

The main contenders in the Carnatic Wars were the British East India Company and the French East India Company, each seeking to expand their influence in India.

What was the significance of the Carnatic Wars?

The significance of the Carnatic Wars lies in their impact on the establishment of British dominance in India, leading to the eventual decline of French influence and paving the way for the British Raj.

How many Carnatic Wars were there?

There were three Carnatic Wars fought between the British and the French for supremacy in South India.

What were the outcomes of the Carnatic Wars?

The outcomes of the Carnatic Wars ultimately favored the British, who succeeded in establishing their supremacy in South India, significantly weakening French presence and influence in the region.

What role did Indian rulers play in the Carnatic Wars?

Indian rulers played significant roles as allies to either the British or the French, influenced by their own regional interests and the promise of military support against their adversaries.



Last Updated : 20 Mar, 2024
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