The Carnatic Wars, fought between 1746 and 1763 in South India, were a series of conflicts between the British and French East India Companies. Linked to European wars, these battles ended with British dominance in India and decline of French power.

Bullets

• The Carnatic Wars were fought between British and French companies in South India between 1746 and 1763.
• They were linked to global conflicts like the Austrian War of Succession and the Seven Years’ War.
• The First Carnatic War began with naval clashes and led to the French capture of Madras.
• It ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, restoring Madras to the British.
• The Second Carnatic War involved interference in succession disputes in Hyderabad and the Carnatic.
• Robert Clive’s capture of Arcot strengthened British position against French influence.
• The Third Carnatic War was part of the Seven Years’ War and proved decisive for British supremacy.
• The Battle of Wandiwash (1760) led to the defeat of French forces in India.
• The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the conflict, limiting French presence to a few settlements.
• The wars marked the rise of the British East India Company as the dominant colonial power in India.