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Introduction 

The Anglo-French struggle in India lasted for nearly twenty years that ultimately gave rise to the establishment of British power in the country. In Bengal and the Carnatic region, the Anglo-French rivalry was most prominent. In Bengal, the effective intervention of Alivardi Khan contained their hostility; however, in the South, the French position was reinforced because of the arrival of a fleet. 

Among all European powers, the French were the last ones to enter India. However, they were regarded as the first ones for evolving to build a territorial empire in the Indian subcontinent. At Pondicherry in 1674, the main center of French was established. Later, Dupleix became the first governor of the French settlement of Chandernagore in Bengal in 1731. In 1742, he became the Governor-General of the French Company. 

The French East India Company was established in 1664. However, it was under the control of the Government, unlike the English East India Company, which was a private trading entity. It was the last European power to enter India. 

  • In 1668, the first French factory was established in Surat
  • In 1669, a factory was established in Masulipatnam
  • Pondicherry was where the headquarters were since 1673
  • The French also established a township at Chandernagore in Bengal

War

Causes of First and Second Carnatic War(1740-54) 

Effect of the wars

First Carnatic War (1740-48)

The war was an extension of the Anglo-French struggle in Europe which was caused by the Austrian War of Succession.

The English navy seized French ships, to which the French retaliated. Thus, started the First Carnatic War. 

The war concluded with the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle and with this Austrian war was also concluded.

Madras was given back to the English, and the French, in turn, got their territories in North America. 

Second Carnatic War (1749-54)

The French governor, Dupleix decided to multiply his powers and influence in some parts of India especially Southern India by  interfering in local dynastic politics for defeating the English.

Dupleix got the opportunity when the founder of the independent Hyderabad kingdom, Nizam-ul-Mulk died in 1748. Also, the Chanda Sahib was released by the Marathas in 1748.

The French extended their support to Nawab’s grandson, Muzaffar Jang for the throne of Hyderabad, and Chanda Sahib, the son-in-law of Dost Ali, the Nawab of Carnatic for the throne of Carnatic, respectively.

The English sided with Nasir Jang (the son of the Nizam) and Anwar-ud-din for the throne of Hyderabad and Carnatic respectively. 

Although the French gained the Northern Circars, Dupleix was criticized by the French authorities because of heavy losses to the French company.

Dupleix was called back to France. He was replaced by Charles-Robert Godeheu who signed the Treaty of Pondicherry.

As per the treaty, the English and the French were to indulge only in commercial activities in India and not interfere in sub-continental political affairs. 

Third Carnatic War (1758-63)

In 1756, when Austria wanted to regain Silesia, the Seven Year’s War starting from 1756 to 1763 began. Britain and France fought once again.

In 1763, the seven year-long war came to an end by the treaty of Paris. This was also marked as the ending of the Third Carnatic War. 

The Battle of Wandiwash was crucial. It was later won by the English in 1760 in Tamil Nadu.

Treaty of Peace of Paris in 1763 restored the French to their factories in India; soon after the war, the French political influence disappeared.

British Victory: The Success Factors

  1. Private enterprise: With limited government intervention, English companies were in a  position to make swift decisions. The French company was a State monopoly. It was regulated and controlled by the government in French and was controlled by policies of the government and delays in making decisions.
  2. The superior navy of English to French.
  3. Greater resources: The English held three crucial places, namely, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras regions and on the other hand Bengal was a vast territory with huge tracts of fertile land. Whereas the French had only Pondicherry.
  4.  Better finances of an English company compared to a French company.
  5. Capable commanders in the British camp: the English side had Robert Clive, Sir Eyre Coote, Major Stringer Lawrence, and several others—however, on the French side, only Dupleix was there.

Conclusion 

The anglo-french struggle in India lasted for nearly twenty years that ultimately gave rise to the establishment of British power in the country. While studying for UPSC, the Anglo-French Struggle For Supremacy is an important topic and is especially relevant to the UPSC exam. The questions from Anglo-French Struggle For Supremacy come in the prelims exam. If you want to read more about the Anglo-French Struggle For Supremacy, visit Unacademy. 

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