THE ANGLO-FRENCH STRUGGLE FOR SUPREMACY

THE FIRST CARNATIC WAR  (1740-48)

The Anglo-French rivalry in India reflected the traditional rivalry of England and France throughout the histories. It began with the outbreak of Austrian War of Succession and ended with the conclusion of this seven years' war.

WHAT WAS THE AUSTRIAN WAR OF SUCCESSION?

The immediate cause of the war was the death of Charles VI in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of the Austrian Habsburg monarchy. His eldest daughter, Maria Theresa, assumed the throne but her succession was challenged by France, Prussia, Bavaria and Spain. Maria Theresa was supported by Britain, Hanover and the Dutch Republic.

HOW DID IT AFFECT ANGLO-FRENCH PEOPLE?

The war proved a disaster for both Britain and France. A British army was soundly defeated by the French on 11 May 1745 at Fontenoy, Flanders [Belgium], and driven off the continent. French maritime trade was eventually ruined by the Royal Navy.

WHY WAS THE WORD "CARNATIC" USED?

Carnatic was the name given by the Europeans to the Coromandel Coast and its hinterland.

Carnatic Region- South India

Immediate Cause of War in India:

France had a relatively weaker position in India so they didn't favor hostilities here. But the English navy, under Barnet seized some French ships to provoke them. So, the French retaliated by seizing Madras in 1746 with the help of the fleet from Mauritius under Admiral La Bourdonnais, the French governor in Mauritius. This began the First Carnatic War.

• Quick Note: Mauritius is known as the Isle of France!

The French were led by Joseph Francois Dupleix while the English took help from Mughal Empire, Nizam of Hyderabad Nawab of Carnatic.

How did the war end?

The war ended in 1748 with the TREATY OF AIX-LA CHAPELLE between the English and the French.

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

The significance of The First Carnatic War

It is known for the Battle of St. Thome in Madras fought between the French forces and the forces of Anwar-ud-din, the Nawab of Carnatic (English appealed him for help). This was an eye-opener for the Europeans in India because a small French army under Captain Paradise defeated the strong Indian army under Mahfuz Khan, thus indicating that even a small disciplined army could defeat a much larger Indian army. Also, it brought out the importance of naval force in the Anglo-French conflict in the Deccan.  

Source of information: 

• Spectrum- A brief history of modern India.
• Wikipedia