Carnatic Wars

The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts fought in the Carnatic region of India in the 18th century. The wars were fought between the British East India Company and the French East India Company, with both sides supported by various Indian rulers. The wars were fought for control of the Carnatic region, which was a valuable trading region. The British won all three wars, and as a result, they became the dominant European power in India. The Carnatic Wars were a significant event in Indian history. The wars led to the establishment of British dominance in India, which eventually led to the establishment of the British Raj.

Causes and Background of Carnatic Wars

The following are the causes of Carnatic wars:

• European powers such as the British East India Company and the French East India Company competed for control of South India’s rich trade routes and territory.
• The struggle for influence and control between the British and French in South India intensified, leading to clashes over trade privileges, forts, and alliances with local rulers.
• Political fragmentation and power struggles among Indian rulers in the Carnatic region created opportunities for European intervention and manipulation to further their interests.
• European trading companies sought to expand their commercial interests in South India, including access to resources, revenue streams, and strategic ports along the Coromandel Coast.
• Both British and French East India Companies formed alliances with Indian princes and nawabs to gain military support, secure trading privileges, and establish footholds in the Carnatic region.
• The Carnatic Wars served as a base for proxy warfare between the British and French, with local rulers and mercenaries recruited to fight on behalf of their respective European patrons.
• The British and French East India Companies aimed to expand their territorial holdings and influence in South India, leading to conflicts over control of key forts, territories, and trade routes.
• The Carnatic Wars were also influenced by broader geopolitical developments, including European wars such as the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War, which spilled over into their colonial possessions in India.

Carnatic Wars Years – Overview

• 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.

Impact of the Carnatic Wars

The Carnatic Wars had major impacts on various aspects of Indian society, politics, and economy. Here are some of the key impacts: 

• The outcome of the Carnatic Wars led to a significant shift in power dynamics in South India, with the British East India Company emerging as the dominant European power in the region, making the way for British colonial rule.
• The victories of the British East India Company in the Carnatic Wars strengthened its position and influence in India, laying the groundwork for further expansion and eventual control over large parts of the subcontinent.
• The British gained control over key territories, forts, and trading posts in South India as a result of the Carnatic Wars, expanding their territorial holdings and consolidating their presence in the region.
• The Carnatic Wars weakened many Indian princely states and local rulers who had aligned with either the British or French, leading to increased British influence and control over their territories.
• The Carnatic Wars disrupted trade, agriculture, and commerce in the region, causing economic instability and hardship for local populations, as well as affecting European trading interests in South India.
• The Carnatic Wars witnessed the deployment of new military tactics, strategies, and technologies by European powers, leading to innovations in warfare and military organization that would later influence broader military practices in India.

Conclusion – Carnatic Wars

In conclusion, the Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts fought in the 18th century in the Carnatic region of South India. The wars were primarily fought between the British and the French, with the support of various Indian powers. The wars resulted in the establishment of British dominance in India, setting the stage for the British Raj. The Third Carnatic War (1756-1763) was the decisive war in the series. The British won a decisive victory in the war, and the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763. The treaty returned Pondicherry and Chandannagar to France, but forbade the French from administering them. The French agreed to support British client governments, thus ending French ambitions of an Indian empire.

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FAQs on Carnatic Wars

What were the Carnatic Wars?

The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts fought between European powers, primarily the British and French East India Companies, for control over territories in South India during the 18th century.

When did the Carnatic Wars take place?

The Carnatic Wars occurred between the late 17th century and the mid-18th century, with intermittent conflicts spanning several decades.

What were the main causes of the Carnatic Wars?

Causes included competition for trade dominance, rivalry between European powers, alliances with Indian rulers, and territorial ambitions in South India.

How did the Carnatic Wars impact Indian history?

The Carnatic Wars reshaped Indian politics, led to the expansion of British influence, and laid the groundwork for British colonial rule in India.

Who were the major players in the Carnatic Wars?

The British and French East India Companies were the primary contenders, with local Indian rulers and nawabs often aligning with one side or the other.

What were the key battles of the Carnatic Wars?

Major battles included the Battle of Plassey, Battle of Wandiwash, Siege of Madras, and Battle of Arcot, among others.

What was the outcome of the Carnatic Wars?

The British East India Company emerged victorious, gaining control over key territories and establishing dominance in South India.

What was the significance of the Carnatic Wars in colonial India?

The Carnatic Wars played a major role in shaping colonial India, influencing subsequent events, power dynamics, and the trajectory of British rule on the subcontinent.