ANGLO FRENCH CONFLICTS - The Second Carnatic War (1749-54)

The Second Carnatic War (1749-54)

After the First Carnatic War, Dupleix fully understood the weakness of the Indian princes. Henceforth he began to look for opportunities to extend French influence by calculated interference in the internal quarrels of the Indian states.

Tripartite Understanding: Dupleix soon got his opportunity. He was able to interfere in the wars of succession that started after the death of Asaf Jah (1748), the late Nizam of Hyderabad. He also supported the claim of Chanda Sahib, son-in-law of the late Nawab Dost Ali in the Carnatic war. In the war at Hyderabad, Dupleix pledged French support to late Nizam’s grandson Muzaffar Zang for the throne of Hyderabad. He also pledged to support Chanda Sahib for the throne of the Carnatic. Thus, a tripartite understanding was developed among the French, Muzaffar Zang and Chanda Sahib.

In order to curb the extension of French influence the English Company supported the cause of the rival candidate Nasir Zang for the throne of the Nizam and that of Muhammad Ali, after the death of Anwaruddin in the Battle of Ambur in 1749, for the Nawabship of the Carnatic. Thus began the second phase of the Anglo French War which is known as the Second Carnatic War.

It was an unofficial war fought between the European countries in India, while there was peace between them at Europe. The group led by the French defeated and killed Anwaruddin in the Battle of Ambur. His son Muhammad Ali fled to Trichinopoly and took refuge there under the protection of the English troops. Chanda Sahib was made Nawab of the Calmat. The French and their allies then marched to the Deccan. Nasir Zang was surprised by the French army and was killed. The French protege Muzaffar Zang was installed as the Nizam of Hyderabad. Dupleix’s dream of an empire seemed likely to be realized. After a short while Muzaffar Zang was killed in a skirmish. The French general Bushy then quickly placed his nominee Salabat Zang on the throne and thus maintained French influence in the Deccan. Bushy controlled the political fortunes of the state for seven years. For the military support given to the Nizam, the French were given four rich districts on the Coromandel coast known as the Northern Sircar.

The British realized that the situation implied a serious threat to their Position in Southern India. The French had already acquired influence over the Nizam. But the powerful fortress of Trichinopoly was still in the hands of Muhammad Ali, a protege of the British. They then put their entire strength behind Muhammad Ali who had been besieged in Trichinapoly by Chanda Sahib and the French. At this crucial juncture there appeared a man on the scene endowed with a daring genius and power of original conception whose intelligence arid bravery saved the fortunes of the English. His name was Clive and he was a young clerk of the Company. He suggested an attack upon Arcot as a diversionary tactics. His plan was approved and Clive made a bold dash for Arcot, the capital of the Carnatic, with a little band of soldiers and occupied it. This had the desired effect. The fall of his capital alarmed Chanda Sahib. He sent a large portion of his army from Trichinapoly to recapture Arcot. But Clive maintained a gallant defense for fifty three days. In the meantime he was reinforced by troops from Madras and some Indian allies. Clive then came out of the besieged town, attacked and defeated Chand Sahib at several important battles including one fought at Kaveripak. Chanda Sahib was captured and executed. Mohammad Ali then became the undisputed Nawab of the Carnatic. Dupleix’s high hopes were thus dashed to the ground.

Both the British and the French governments disapproved the policy of their companies fighting in India while the two nations were officially at peace. The French government recalled Dupleix and sent Godehu in his place. Godehu then signed the Treaty of Pondicherry in 1755 with the English. By this treaty both the nations agreed not to interfere in the quarrels of the Indian princes. After this treaty though the French were able to maintain their hold over Hyderabad for some time, they lost much of the prestige they had gained before. The British control over the Carnatic was also established.