The French versus the English

The French were the epitome of imperialistic power in the world, at times stronger than the English. However, the British clearly won over the French wiping out their existence. But this wasn’t always the case. French did have the initial taste of victory...
The fight between the French and the English in the region of Carnatic; Image source:

The fight between the French and the English in the region of Carnatic; Image source:

The British East India Company arrived in India prior to the French East India Company. This leads to the first thought that English would have some benefit of ‘first come, first serve’ in India. However, the English were quite badly defeated in the First Carnatic War. The French, a strong reckoning force had the upper hand in the battle.

Carnatic was the region south of Hyderabad (in between the Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal region). It was a separate territory however, instead of being fully independent, it was more of a semi-independent state. It is here where the French and English fought three battles known as the Anglo-French Wars or the Carnatic Wars.

The Portuguese and the Dutch were already out of the equation. The two East India companies that remained were of French and England and both of them had their main settlements in the Carnatic region. For French, it was Pondicherry and Karaikal and for English, it was Madras and Cuddalore.

In 1732, Carnatic began facing political turmoil after the death of their Nawab. It was a European move to interfere at the ‘right’ time. At the time, the French Governor was Joseph Francois Dupleix, a man who we will later identify as the supreme brains of the French company. As soon as he realised that the Carnatic region was in jeopardy, he pounced in the situation hoping to get some political mileage.

The British were not idle either, seeing the French make a move, they too entered the frame of the Carnatic crisis which lead to the start of a bitter rivalry between the French and the English.

Actually, France and England being neighbours have been involved in the rivalry since time immemorable. At that time, they were involved in the argument of the ‘Austrian War of Succession.’ After the death of the king of Austria, the French and British had different opinions as to who should claim the throne. It might seem complicated as to why two different countries would poke their nose in matters of a different country.

You see, Europe has been like one big joint family who fight often but their benefits are also closely related to each other. England supported the claim of Maria Theresa on the throne of Austria while the French supported the claim of Charles Albert. Both had their own reasoning and motives for supporting each candidate.

This friction was on large scale and split Europe into two sides. The effects of this friction could be seen even in the far off lands like in the Carnatic region of the Indian subcontinent. So, you see the first battle of Carnatic didn't start anywhere near this zone but the backdrop is their fight in Europe whose consequence was the first battle of Carnatic. Who would emerge victoriously?

With wars ongoing in Europe, tremors were felt in India. British made the first move by attacking the French fleet. There was no way the French governor, Dupleix would sit back and watch. He quickly contacted the French governor of Mauritius, Bourdonnais. Bourdonnais too responded instantly and with his naval forces came to the Bay of Bengal. The combined forces of Dupleix and Bourdonnais completely destroyed the British naval fleets. Not only that, they captured Madras from the hands of the British and made many British prisoners of war.

The British had to ask the help of the Nawab of Carnatic, ‘Anwaruddin.’ Anwaruddin told the French no fighting will be tolerated in his territory. However, Dupleix being a clever fellow convinced Anwaruddin that if he captures Madras, he would give it to him which is why Anwaruddin kept quiet for a while. But when the French didn't give them Madras he attacked the French.

French had an army of 1000 soldiers while Anwaruddin had about 10,000 of them. However, Dupleix still managed to dismantle the forces of the Nawab. Anwaruddin backed off. He came to realise that these European powers were way too advanced with their weaponry for him to fight alone for the time being.

The French emerged victorious in the first battle of Carnatic against the Nawab and the British. However, since this battle started outside India and its result couldn't alone be decided based on what happened in India. In Europe, the battle of succession has stopped and the British had managed to capture a territory of France, Louisburg.

A peace treaty, known as the ‘treaty of Aix La Chappelle’ was signed which said that England would return Louisburg to France and France would return Madras back to the English Company.

Everything was restored. Madras went back to the British but the humiliating loss at the hands of the French couldn't be diminished in their hearts. All they needed was the right moment to gain the upper hand...

To find the results of the second Carnatic War, stay tuned!

17 likes

 
Share your Thoughts
Let us know what you think of the story - we appreciate your feedback. 😊
17 Share