Battle of Golden Rock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Golden Rock
Part of Second Carnatic War
An 1845 representation of the battle from a board game
Date 26th June 1753 Location Trichinopoly Result British victory
Belligerents
British East India Company Arcot State	French East India Company Kingdom of Mysore Maratha Empire
Commanders and leaders
Stringer Lawrence Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah	Monsieur Astruc (French) Nandiraj, Dalavayi of Mysore Ballappa (Maratha)   †
Strength
Major Lawrence 300 Europeans 1,300 Sepoys 8 6-pounder cannons Nawab of Arcot's 100 horse	Monsieur Astruc 450 Europeans 1,500 Sepoys Artillery Nandiraj 8000 Mysore Cavalry 2 companies of Topasses (1,000 sepoys) 15,000 irregular infantry armed with matchlocks, swords, bow & arrows, pikes, clubs and rockets. Ballappa 3500 Maratha Cavalry
Casualties and losses
200 sepoys	3 cannons lost 600 cavalry dead

The Battle of Golden Rock was a fight that happened on June 26, 1753. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Second Carnatic War. This battle took place near a city called Trichinopoly (now Tiruchirappalli) in India.

The main groups fighting were the British East India Company and the French East India Company. These were powerful trading companies from Europe. They had their own armies and were trying to control parts of India.

What Was the Second Carnatic War?

The Second Carnatic War was a series of battles in India. It lasted from 1749 to 1754. This war was mainly between the British and French East India Companies. They supported different local Indian rulers. They wanted to gain more power and control over trade in the Carnatic region of India.

Who Fought in the Battle of Golden Rock?

In this battle, the British forces were led by Stringer Lawrence. He was a skilled commander. They were helped by troops from the Carnatic Sultanate, led by Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah.

On the other side, the French forces were led by Monsieur Astruc. They had strong allies. These included soldiers from the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Nandiraj. There were also Maratha cavalry troops, led by Ballappa.

How Many Soldiers Were There?

The British side had about 300 European soldiers. They also had 1,300 Sepoys. Sepoys were Indian soldiers trained by Europeans. They also had 8 cannons and 100 horsemen from Arcot.

The French side was larger. They had 450 European soldiers and 1,500 Sepoys. Their allies from Mysore brought a huge force. This included 8,000 cavalry (horse soldiers). They also had 1,000 Topasses (another type of soldier). Plus, there were 15,000 irregular infantry. These soldiers used various weapons like swords and bows. The Marathas added 3,500 cavalry.

Where Did the Battle Happen?

The battle took place near Trichinopoly. This city was very important. It was a key location that both sides wanted to control. The French and their allies attacked a British outpost. This outpost was a small military base. This attack made the main British army come out to fight.

What Happened During the Battle?

The French and their allies tried to capture the British outpost. But the British commander, Stringer Lawrence, was ready. He moved his troops to defend the area. Despite being outnumbered, the British fought bravely. They used their cannons effectively. The battle was fierce, but the British managed to hold their ground.

What Was the Outcome?

The Battle of Golden Rock was a victory for the British. They successfully defended their position. The French and their allies were forced to retreat.

What Were the Losses?

The British lost about 200 Sepoys. The French and their allies suffered more. They lost 3 cannons. About 600 of their cavalry soldiers died. This was a significant loss for them.

Why Was This Battle Important?

This battle was important because it showed the strength of the British forces. It helped them keep control of Trichinopoly. This city was a vital strategic point in the war. The victory boosted British morale. It also weakened the French and their allies in the region. It was one of many battles that shaped the future of India.