Question

Write an essay on second Carnatic war.

Answer 1

In the 18th century, three Carnatic Wars were fought between various Indian rulers, British and French East Indian Company on either side.

• Second Carnatic War:

1. The main cause of this war was the issue of succession in Carnatic and Hyderabad. Anwaruddin Khan and Chanda Sahib were the two claimants to the throne of Carnatic, whereas Nasir Jang and Muzaffar Jang were claimants to the throne of Hyderabad.
2. The French supported Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jang, while the British supported the other claimants with the objective of keeping their interest and influence in the entire Deccan region.

• Battle of Ambur (1749):

1. Finally, Dupleix, Chanda Sahib, and Muzaffar Jang formed a grand alliance and defeated and killed Anwar-ud-din Khan, the Nawab of Carnatic, in the Battle of Ambur.
2. Muhammad Ali, the son of Anwar – ud – din, fled to Trichinopoly.
3. Chanda Sahib became the Nawab of Carnatic and rewarded the French with the grant of 80 villages around Pondicherry.
4. In the Deccan, the French defeated and killed Nasir Jang and made Muzaffar Jang as the Nizam.
5. The new Nizam gave ample rewards to the French.
6. He appointed Dupleix as the governor of all the territories south of the river Krishna. Muzaffar Jang was assassinated by his own people.
7. Salabat Jang, brother of Nasir Jang was raised to the throne by Bussy.
8. Salabat Jang granted the Northern Circars to the French.
9. Dupleix’s power was at its zenith by that time.

• Battle of Arcot (1751):

1. In the meantime, Dupleix sent forces to besiege the fort of Trichy.
2. Chanda Sahib also joined with the French in their efforts to besiege Trichy. Robert Clive’s proposal was accepted by the British governor, Saunders, and with only 200 English and 300 Indian soldiers, Clive has entrusted the task of capturing Arcot. His attack proved successful.
3. Robert Clive defeated the French at Ami and Kaveripak. With the assistance of Lawrence, Chanda Sahib was killed in Trichy. Muhammad Ali was made the Nawab of Arcot under British protection. The French Government recalled Dupleix to Paris.

• Treaty of Pondicherry (1755):

1. Dupleix was succeeded by Godeheu who agreed with the treaty of Pondicherry. According to it, both the powers agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of the native states. They were to retain their old positions. New forts should not be built by either power. The treaty made the British stronger.
2. The second Carnatic war also proved inconclusive. The English proved their superiority on land by appointing Mohammad Ali as the Nawab of Carnatic. The French were still very powerful in Hyderabad. However, the predominant position of the French in the Deccan peninsula was definitely undermined in this war.