Carnatic Wars (Anglo-French Rivalry)
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Hyderabad - Chin Qilich Khan also known as Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah was a noble of Turrani group. In between 1713 to 1722, he was the viceroy of Deccan. He supported Muhammad Shah in killing Sayyid Brothers. In return, he was offered the post of Wazir in the Mughal empire in Delhi.
As the Wazir of Delhi, he tried to reform the corrupt Mughal administration but earned many enemies for himself. Disgusted with the suspicious nature of the Mughal emperor, he decided to pursue his own ambition and in 1724 he killed the governor of Deccan Mubariz Khan in Battle of Kheda and established Asaf Jahi Dynasty in Hyderabad.
Carnatic - Carnatic was the Coromandel Coast and its hinterland. It was one of the province of the Mughal India. Just as a practice, the Nizam had become independent of Delhi, so did the governor of Carnatic. He freed himself from the control of Mughal ruler and made his office hereditary.
Accordingly, Nawab Sadatullah Khan appointed his nephew Dost Ali as the next successor. But meanwhile, Marathas invaded Carnatic and killed Dost Ali and took his son-in-law Chanda Sahib as prisoner to Satara.
Meanwhile, Anwaruddin became the Nawab of Carnatic. Later, Chanda Sahib was released from Maratha captivity, after which the affairs of Carnatic started to deteriorate which provided an opportunity to the European trading companies to directly intervene in the Carnatic politics.
For the next 20-23 years, English and French remain embraided in a bitter war popularly known as Carnatic Wars.
1st Carnatic War (1742-48) -
War of Austrian succession which started on October 28, 1740 after the death of Charles VI. Britain supported the claim of Maria Theresa and France supported the claim of Charles Albert. The outbreak of war in Europe found its reflection in India also and the two company started to fight with each other.
French governor Dupleix attacked on Madras as such British surrendered. British also appealed to Nawab of Carnatic Anwaruddin for help. Nawab sent his forces against French but it suffered a crushing defeat.
However, the end of Austrian war of succession also led to the end of 1st Carnatic war with 'Treaty of 'Aix-La-Chappelle'.
As per the terms of treaty, English possession in India, i.e., Madras was restored and French got back their North American territory.
2nd Carnatic War (1749-54) -
Hyderabad 🠊 Asaf Jah died in 1748 🠊 Contender = Muzaffar Jung (French supported) & Nasir Jung (British supported) 🠊 Muzaffar Jung became the Nawab.
Carnatic 🠊 Battle of Ambur fought between Anwaruddin and French 🠊 Anwaruddin was killed 🠊 Contender = Chanda Sahib (French supported) & Muhammad Ali (British supported) 🠊 Chanda Sahib became the ruler
In 1748, the Nizam of Hyderabad Asaf Jah died after which there was a war of succession started between the two belligerents, Muzaffar Jung and Nasir Jung.
Moreover, in 1749, French killed Nawab of Carnatic Anwaruddin in Battle of Ambur. In Carnatic French supported the claim of Chanda Sahib and British supported the claim of Muhammad Ali, son of Anwaruddin.
In Hyderabad French was successful in elevation of Muzaffar Jung as Nizam and Chanda Sahib as Nawab of Carnatic. It led to the outbreak of 2nd Carnatic war.
British response - In the beginning the attitude of the Britishers was callous but when new General Saunder's came to India, he felt the need of some activity.
At this time a young clerk Robert Clive volunteer to fight and suggested to create a diversion by attacking on Arkot, the capital of Carnatic.
Muhammad Ali was at Trichonapally. So, to eliminate him Chanda Sahib with French attacked Trichonapally. So, to safeguard Muhammad Ali and to ensure British victory, Robert Clive suggested to create a diversion. This led to the siege of Arkot.
Siege of Arkot - Robert Clive was a young British captain who attempted to siege Arkot with 200 European and 300 Indian soldiers. But in the terms of the event he himself was besieged by the French and the forces of Chanda Sahib. Clive inspire3d his army and fought till 53th day when British support finally came and they defeated French and killed Chanda Sahib.
Treaty of Pondicherry - Since, British were victorious in Carnatic, they said the tone of the treaty. As per the terms of the treaty, French were forced to recall Dupleix from India but they were allowed to continue their influence in Hyderabad.
3rd Carnatic War (1758-63) -
The outbreak of 7 years of war between English and French in all the continent to establish their imperialist hegemony got reflection in India also.
In 3rd Carnatic War, French lost Chandra Nagar and Northern Sircars to the British. A very decisive battle between French officer Count De Lally and British officer Sir Eyre Coote was fought in 1760 (Battle of Wandiwash), in which French were thoroughly defeated. This war put an end to the French ambition of creating a colonial empire in India.
Treaty of Paris (1763) - As per the treaty Chandra Nagar and Pondicherry (now Puducherry) were restored to the French and also all the territories prior to 1749. Though the French were allowed to continue their trade and retain their trading centre, they had to accept British protectorate in India. French also agreed not to intervene in the political affairs of India.
Factors responsible for French defeat -
- French faced financial difficulties as it was a governmental company and for each of their military operation they had to take the permission of the French government.
- After the call of Dupleix, the new French governor Count De Lally was rash and arrogant which alienated many of the French officers.
- English victory in Plassey ensured smart flow of wealth at their disposal.
- English were far superior in energy, resources and enthusiasm.
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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own.
Hope! It will help you to achieve your dream of getting selected in Civil Services Examination 👍
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