Carnatic Wars and Their Impacts on Indian History
Many wars were fought between the Indian dynasties and the colonial rulers for possession of different locations. Carnatic Wars were the prime incidents of Indian history. There were three wars fought for the occupancy of the coastal regions of the Carnatic region of the Hyderabad State, presently Karnataka, between the Marathas, French, British, and the Mysore. All these three wars were fought between 1746 and 1763. The French and the British were the colonial rulers that landed in India and put their strongholds in different places. In this article, we will study these three wars.
What are Carnatic Wars?
The occupancy of the Carnatic region resulted in friction between four parties. The French and British Colonials were already contesting for the occupancy of this region whereas Mysore and Marathas pitched in. From 1946 to 1763, there were three wars were the opponents showed their manpower at the battlefronts.
The military conflict resulted in huge chaos in this region. The involvement of the independent rulers and their struggles for succession also made it worse. The urge to grab the territory also resulted in a diplomatic conflict between the colonials. The British East India Company and the French East India Company were also conflicting with each other and also got support from the polities who were loyal to the Mughal Empire.
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All the colonial rulers wanted was to show dominance and occupy the Carnatic regions for better trades and to settle down a colony enjoying a higher level of authority. This is why the Carnatic Wars were fought between the British and French East India Company and the local polities of the Mughal Empire.
First Carnatic War
In 1740, the Austrian war broke out in Europe roping in Britain. Eventually, it made France an enemy in 1744. The emergence of this conflict reflects on the occurrence of the First Carnatic War in 1746. It took place for two years.
As per the historians, the French and British were on good terms before. In fact, the French officials were ordered not to interfere or cause any conflict even the unrest is going on in Europe between the nations but the British were not given such orders.
It started when the British captured French merchant ships and led the French to attack. Under the guidance of La Bourdannais, the French eventually defeated and made the British retrace back to Bengal. The British were under the command of Admiral Edward Peyton. The French again captured Madras and also did not keep the word of returning it to the British.
The First Carnatic War continued when Anwar-ud-din, the contemporary Nawab sent 10,000 troop soldiers to get back Madras but failed. Eventually, it all ended in 1748 when the European conflict due to Austrian succession reached its final destination.
Second Carnatic War
The Second Carnatic War took place for 5 years from 1749. It was more like a proxy war as no party showed any friction at the surface. Nasir Jung, the contemporary Nizam, and Muhammad Ali, his protégé, supported the British. On the contrary, the French were supported by Muzaffar Jung and Chanda Sahib. Muzaffar wanted to become the Nawab of Arcot.
Eventually, Arcot was under their occupancy. Nasir Jung was killed and Hyderabad came under the occupation of Muzaffar Jung. He was then assassinated and Salabat Jung took his position in 1751.
In the series of events, Robert Clive captured Arcot back and defended it successfully in 1751. A treaty was then signed in Pondicherry in 1754 between the fighting parties. This treaty depicted Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah as the Nawab of Carnatic.
Third Carnatic War
The 3rd Carnatic War took place between 1756 to 1763. The conflict between the colonial supremacies renewed. Both French and British wanted to settle scores. The prime factor during this war was the French were suffering from a financial crunch but the British were doing well in terms of trade and business.
This war was not limited to the Carnatic region but spread to the Bengal area and other parts of India. It was triggered when the French-occupied Chandernagore was captured by the British troops. Despite this fact, the fate of this war was decided in the southern region of India.
Madras was captured previously and was defended by Sir Eyre Coote, the then British personnel in charge. Another battle happened in Wandiwash in 1760. Eventually, the French capital in Pondicherry fell into the hands of the British. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris signed by both parties in 1763. Both Chandernagore and Pondicherry were returned to the French East India Company with all the trading posts. The Carnatic Wars summary suggests the impact of these wars on the history of Southern India.
If we summarize this historical fact then the 1st Carnatic War started in 1746 and continued till 1748. The second war was fought in 1749, right after the capture of Madras. It ended with the signing of the Treaty of Pondicherry. The 3rd Carnatic War inflicted huge damage to the financially stricken French army but ended on good terms after the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. These Carnatic Wars have immense importance in the Indian history of Colonial Rule.
FAQs on Wars in the Carnatic Region
1. What exactly were the Carnatic Wars?
The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts that took place in India during the mid-18th century. They were primarily fought between the British East India Company and the French East India Company. Both sides wanted to control trade and territory in the Carnatic region, which is in modern-day South India.
2. How many Carnatic Wars were fought and over what period?
In total, there were three Carnatic Wars fought between 1746 and 1763. The timeline for these wars is as follows:
- First Carnatic War: 1746 to 1748
- Second Carnatic War: 1749 to 1754
- Third Carnatic War: 1756 to 1763
3. What was the main reason these wars started?
The main cause was the intense commercial and political rivalry between Britain and France in India. This competition was often a direct extension of their conflicts in Europe, such as the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. To gain an upper hand, each side would support rival Indian princes in local succession disputes.
4. Who was the final winner of the Carnatic Wars?
The British East India Company emerged as the ultimate victor. While the French had some early victories, the British decisively won the Third Carnatic War. This victory effectively ended French colonial ambitions in India, establishing Britain as the dominant European power on the subcontinent.
5. Why were they called 'Carnatic' Wars if they involved the British and the French?
They were named after the Carnatic region, the area along the Coromandel Coast where most of the battles took place. This region corresponds to parts of modern-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Even though the main combatants were European, the location of the conflict gave the wars their name.
6. How were local Indian rulers involved in these wars?
Local Indian rulers played a critical role, often as allies or proxies for the European powers. The British and French intervened in succession disputes for thrones like the Nawab of the Carnatic and the Nizam of Hyderabad. By backing a candidate, they aimed to secure trading rights, territory, and political influence from the ruler they helped bring to power.
7. What was the long-term impact of the Carnatic Wars on India?
The outcome had a massive impact on India's future. The British victory eliminated their main European rival, the French, from seriously competing for power. This allowed the British East India Company to expand its influence without significant opposition, marking its transformation from a trading entity to a territorial power and paving the way for the British Raj.
8. What is the key difference between the First and Third Carnatic War?
The main difference lies in their scope and finality. The First Carnatic War was mostly a spillover of a European war and ended with territories being returned. In contrast, the Third Carnatic War was a decisive, all-out conflict for dominance in India. Its conclusion, particularly after the Battle of Wandiwash, permanently crippled French power and cemented British supremacy.
