📚 Second Carnatic War (1749–1754) – UPSC Notes
🕰️ Background and Causes
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After the First Carnatic War, French Governor Dupleix aimed to build a territorial empire in India.
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Reason: Use land revenue to support export trade.
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Dupleix realized that Indian rulers were divided and European-trained troops could influence succession struggles.
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The war became a proxy conflict between Britain and France by supporting rival claimants in:
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Carnatic (South India)
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Hyderabad (Deccan)
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👑 War of Succession in Carnatic and Hyderabad
In Carnatic:
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Chanda Sahib wanted to become Nawab with French help.
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Nawab Anwaruddin (pro-British) was the ruling Nawab.
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1749: Battle of Ambur – Chanda Sahib + Dupleix defeated and killed Anwaruddin.
In Hyderabad:
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After Asaf Jah's (Nizam-ul-Mulk) death:
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Civil war between Nasir Jang (son) and Muzaffar Jang (grandson).
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French supported Muzaffar Jang, who became Nizam after Nasir Jang’s death.
🏆 French Gains
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Chanda Sahib became Nawab of Carnatic; gave 80 villages near Pondicherry to the French.
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Muzaffar Jang gave:
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Territories near Pondicherry and Masulipatnam.
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Dupleix was made Governor of Mughal territories south of River Krishna.
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⚔️ Entry of British – Robert Clive’s Role
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British supported Muhammad Ali (Anwaruddin’s son) and Nasir Jang.
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Robert Clive devised a diversion strategy:
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Attack Arcot (Carnatic capital) to distract Chanda Sahib from attacking Trichinopoly.
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⚔️ Siege of Arcot (1751)
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Clive captured Arcot with a small force.
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Chanda Sahib’s army was stretched and weakened.
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Clive + Maratha Raja of Thanjavur + Muhammad Ali defeated Chanda Sahib.
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Chanda Sahib was captured and killed.
📜 Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
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Dupleix was recalled due to:
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High war costs.
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Fear of losing French colonies in America.
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Replaced by Godeheu, who signed the Treaty of Pondicherry with the British.
Terms:
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Both sides agreed not to interfere in Indian politics.
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Retained control over current possessions.
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Muhammad Ali recognised as Nawab of Carnatic.
🚩 Significance of Second Carnatic War
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British gained a strong foothold in South India.
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Dupleix’s recall marked the decline of French influence.
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French lost local support and confidence.
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Robert Clive emerged as a key British leader in India.
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Treaty gave temporary peace but rivalry continued, leading to the Third Carnatic War.
📝 UPSC Prelims MCQs
1. Who led the French side during the Second Carnatic War?
A) Bussy
B) Dupleix
C) Labourdonnais
D) Lally
✅ Answer: B) Dupleix
2. The Battle of Ambur (1749) was fought between which two rivals?
A) Nasir Jang vs Clive
B) Anwaruddin vs Chanda Sahib
C) Bussy vs Robert Clive
D) Muzaffar Jang vs Anwaruddin
✅ Answer: B) Anwaruddin vs Chanda Sahib
3. What was the significance of the Siege of Arcot?
A) French gained Hyderabad
B) British captured Pondicherry
C) British strategy diverted French forces and led to Chanda Sahib’s defeat
D) Mughal emperor supported French
✅ Answer: C) British strategy diverted French forces and led to Chanda Sahib’s defeat
4. What did the Treaty of Pondicherry (1754) stipulate?
A) French control over Carnatic
B) British withdrawal from Trichinopoly
C) No interference in native quarrels and territorial status quo
D) Formation of Anglo-French alliance
✅ Answer: C) No interference in native quarrels and territorial status quo
5. Which of the following was a major outcome of Dupleix’s recall?
A) French control over Deccan
B) British withdrawal from Arcot
C) Decline of French ambitions in India
D) Rise of French naval dominance
✅ Answer: C) Decline of French ambitions in India
