What is Carnatic War- The Fall of French and Rise of English in India

What are Carnatic wars? The Carnatic wars represent the conflicts between the French East India Company and the British East India Company series of wars; the role of Nizam of Hyderabad and Nawab of Carnatic was significant.

After fighting three Carnatic wars, the British retained their control over India. They had established their foothold, and whatever French influence was there upon the country, it was condemned. These Carnatic wars happened from 1745 to 1763. The fight for holding power was over, and the military conflicts ceased in the midst of 18 th century. 

Details of the Carnatic Wars and Indian Detachments:

A dependency of Hyderabad State, India was the Indian soil for supremacy. This was a diplomatic struggle between two powers which also brought various independent rulers of kingdoms. Their military struggle invoices their struggle for Indian soil supremacy. 

The fight for succession and power over the Indian territory between the French East India Company and the British East India Company usually happened within the Mughal territory.

With the help of Great Moghulm, the loyal fragmented politics greatly assisted the war.

Europe’s largest power holders, Britain and France, were always at each other’s necks to get a hold of India. The mere idea of outclassing the other led them to the World’s greatest Carnatic wars. The opportunity was obvious since the mercantile system was the greatest driving factor. This led to various wars in the 18 th century, and the rivalry never ceased between them.

Both powers were challengers in the Indian subcontinent. They have strived to maximise their influence. But this is at the cost of lessening the other. During the governorship of Dupleix, the French rule was said to end, and this was around the period 1742-1754. 

As a result, when his term was at its end, there was a significant decline in the French power, which had completely evaporated by the time he entered the early 1760s.

The British East India Company took this as an opportunity and did not waste time establishing its power slowly. Two of these three wars had an intimate relationship with the Austrian war of succession and the seven years war. These are the two great European wars fought, and the Carnatic region of India has witnessed this.

First Carnatic War: 

The first Carnatic war took place from 1746 to 1748. This was an off-shot of Austria’s war of succession with India as a front.  The French avenged Great Britain by taking control over Madras, and this retaliation was the effect of Britain capturing the French ships.

After this happened, Great Britain went to the Nawab of Carnatic and sought help but was disappointed when they lost to the French army.  Europe’s war ended with a treaty, and so did the Carnatic war.  The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle 1748 was concluded, and the First Carnatic war soon ended. In the end, the English got back the captured Madras.

Second Carnatic War:

The Second Carnatic war was a result of the death of Nizam-ul-Mulk. Later, there was a succession between his son and grandson. Some other stakeholders as well accompanied this.

Ahmad Ali Nasir Jung, Nizam’s son and Muzzafar Jung, the grandson of Nizam, wanted to become the Nawab of Arcot. They were the rightful contender to change sahib, and as a result, the war of succession happened between them, which was named the Second Carnatic War.

The French joined as well, and they were on the side of Muzzafar Jung. As expected, The French turned out to be victorious. But this was only at the beginning, and they soak. Placed some of their nominees to control the affairs of the state.  

Since the French had sided with Muzzafar, the British have sided with  Nasir Jung, but that did not turn out so well. They were, in the end, humiliated again.

But the desperation to take revenge has kept Britain going.   The plan to capture Arcot was made again, and Robert Clive did this in 1751. This bid of his has led to a victorious gain over the French. After that, Muhammad Ali has crowned the Nawab of Carnatic. The French couldn’t do anything much to reverse the happenings. The French date in India was done when the Dupleix was recalled. The war came to an end with a treaty of Pondicherry. Even though Muhammad Ali was crowned as Nawab of Carnatic, the French did not seem to lose any ounce of control. As a result, they retained their influence over the Nizam of Hyderabad. 

Conclusion

The war ended, but that cost both Britain and France a great deal of loss of resources. The treaty of Paris was signed. The French influence over India was not there anymore, and they managed to take over Pondicherry and Chandermangore.

The French ambitions were no more a goal to be achieved for them. Ambitions of establishing an empire shattered, and Britain seized control. They were humiliated, and Britain was full of pride, which later crumbled the Muslim rule in India. They, in a way, have decided the fate of India for many years.