Battle of Chandannagar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Chandannagar
Part of the Seven Years' War
A painting of the battle by Dominic Serres
Date 23 March 1757 Location Chandernagore, Bengal Subah 22°51′21″N 88°22′48″E / 22.8559°N 88.3800°E / 22.8559; 88.3800 Result British victory
Belligerents
British East India Company	French East India Company
Commanders and leaders
Robert Clive Charles Watson	Unknown
Strength
3 ships of the line	1 fortification
Casualties and losses
37+ killed 74+ wounded	1 fortification captured

The Battle of Chandannagar was an important fight in 1757. British forces attacked and captured a French trading post called Chandannagar. This happened during a big war known as the Seven Years' War. The British were led by Robert Clive and Charles Watson. The battle took place on March 23, 1757. The British kept control of Chandannagar until 1763, when the war ended.

Why Chandannagar Was Important

Chandannagar was a key trading center for the French East India Company. It was located on the Hooghly River, not far from Calcutta. Calcutta was a major base for the British East India Company.

The British Plan

Robert Clive, a British officer, wanted to take Chandannagar. He saw it as a first step to gaining more control in the region. The French fort there had only 16 cannons. The British had a much stronger force.

British Forces

The British attack included soldiers led by Clive. It also had three powerful Royal Navy warships. These ships were the Kent, Tiger, and Salisbury. They were commanded by Charles Watson.

The Battle Unfolds

The British ships sailed up the Hooghly River. The French tried to stop them by sinking ships and placing chains in the river. But the British ships managed to get past these obstacles.

Fighting at the Fort

When the ships got close to the fort, they opened fire. The French cannons also fired back strongly. The battle was fierce. The Tiger ship took a lot of damage. Many British soldiers were killed or wounded.

British Victory

Despite the strong French defense, the British attack was successful. They managed to capture the French fort. This was a big win for the British.

What Happened Next

After the battle, the British tore down the fort and many buildings in Chandannagar. This made Calcutta even more important for trade. Chandannagar stayed under British control for several years.

The Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris officially ended the Seven Years' War in 1763. This treaty said that Chandannagar would be given back to the French. However, the British took control of it again in 1794 during another war.

Return to France

Chandannagar was finally returned to France in 1816. It remained a French territory until 1950.

Why This Battle Mattered

The Battle of Chandannagar was one of many fights between the French and British in Colonial India. This battle gave the British more power in the Bengal region. It was a key step in the British pushing the French out of Bengal.

British Dominance

After this battle, the French who escaped went to the Nawab of Bengal. Robert Clive soon defeated the Nawab at the Battle of Plassey. Britain became the main European power in India. They were able to take advantage of the weakening Mughal Empire.

Images for kids

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  A plan of the battle