Battle of Wandiwash | Third Carnatic War

Understanding the battles that shaped and strengthened the British rule in India is crucial to develop the understanding of modern India, Battle of Wandiwash is one such battle that was fought between the British and the French during 1756-1763, making it an important part of Modern Indian history and thus, relevant for UPSC CSE prelims, mains GS1 and History Optional paper

Background of Battle of Wandiwash

• Seven Years War (1756-63) in Europe was a result of Anglo-French which also extended to India and resulted in the Battle of Wandiwash, also known as the third Carnatic war.
• The Seven Years’ War was driven by Austria’s determination to reclaim Silesia, which rejuvenated the longstanding Anglo-French rivalry, leading to extensive military engagements across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, shaping future global power dynamics and colonial territories.

Events leading to Battle of Wandiwash

• Seven years war: In 1756, seven years war broke in Europe, intensifying the Anglo-French rivalry but hostility in India started only in 1757.
• Battle of Plassey 1757: British won the Battle of Plassey in 1757 against the Nawab of Bengal. During the course of war Britishers also seized the Chandannagar (in Bengal) from French operational control.
  • This irritated the French in India who were fighting for dominance in India, leading the Battle of Wandiwash in 1760.
• Battle of Wandiwash: Count de Lally led the French army and captured Fort St. George and further attacked Britishers to take full control of Madras.
  • However, British forces under Sir Eyre Coote defeated the French army in the Battle of Wandiwash in 1760.
  • French in India lost Pondicherry, Mahe, Gingee and Karaikal to the British.

First Carnatic War | Modern Indian History

Battle of Wandiwash Treaty

• Treaty of Paris: The third Carnatic war (Battle of Wandiwash) was ended with the Paris treaty in 1763.
  • Under the Paris Treaty, Chandannagar and Pondicherry were returned to France. However, they were barred from fortifying them or having troops in them.
  • French were restricted to take part only in the trading activities in India.

Second Carnatic War

Significance of the Battle of Wandiwash

• Ended French Aspirations in India: it is safe to say that the Battle of Wandiwash followed by the Paris Treaty of 1763 decisively ended the French aspirations and ambitions in India, diminishing their influence and solidifying British dominance in the region for years to come.
  • They were left with only a few areas and that too was to be used as only trading centers and not to be fortified
• Made Britishers the only Dominant European Power in India: Battle of Wandiwash was one of the key successes of the British East India Company that made it the dominant European power in India and significantly weakening French influence, ultimately paving the way for British colonial expansion across the subcontinent.

Reasons of French Defeat in Battle of Wandiwash

There were a number of reasons that led to the French defeat in the Battle of Wandiwash. Key factors included poor strategic planning, lack of reinforcements, and inadequate supplies. Let’s discuss the reasons which ultimately tipped the balance in their favor and sealed the French defeat.

• Britain had  strong hold at Bombay, Madras and Calculta and on the other hand the French only had a strong hold at Pondicherry, which made it more vulnerable.
• French army in comparison to the British army had weak naval strengths, which allowed more movement for the British troops.
• With the battle of Plassey, the British had a resource rich area of Bengal.

Facts about Third Carnatic War

• The battle of Wandiwash was fought between which countries?
  • The battle of Wandiwash was fought between French Army and British Army to extend dominance over India.
• When was the third Carnatic war fought?
  • The third Carnatic war was fought during 1757 – 1763.
• Where was the third Carnatic war was fought?
  • The third Carnatic war was fought in the Carnatic region of South India.
• Who won the third Carnatic war?
  • British won the third Carnatic war in the Battle of Wandiwash.

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