Battle of Wandiwash facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Wandiwash
Part of Seven Years' War
The Vandavasi fort.
Date 22 January 1760 Location Vandavasi, Tamil Nadu, India 12°30′00″N 79°37′12″E / 12.5000°N 79.6200°E / 12.5000; 79.6200 Result British victory
Belligerents
British East India Company	French East India Company Maratha Empire
Commanders and leaders
Sir Eyre Coote	Comte de Lally
Strength
1,900 European infantry 2,100 Indian sepoys 80 European cavalry 250 Indian cavalry 26 guns	2,250 European infantry 1,300 Indian sepoys 300 European cavalry 3,000 Marathi infantry 16 guns

The Battle of Wandiwash was an important fight in India during 1760. It happened between the French and the British. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Third Carnatic War. That war was itself a part of the worldwide Seven Years' War.

The battle took place in a town called Vandavasi in Tamil Nadu, India. "Wandiwash" is just the English way of saying "Vandavasi." The British had gained a lot of money and power in other parts of India. This made them very ready to fight the French at Wandiwash, where they won.

Understanding the Battle of Wandiwash

The Battle of Wandiwash was a key moment in the fight for control over India. It showed who would become the main European power there.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The main groups fighting were the British East India Company and the French East India Company. These were powerful trading companies that also had their own armies. The French side also had help from the Maratha Empire, an Indian kingdom.

British Forces

The British army had about 1,900 European foot soldiers (infantry). They also had 2,100 Indian soldiers called sepoys. For cavalry (soldiers on horseback), they had 80 Europeans and 250 Indians. They brought 26 cannons (artillery) to the battle.

French Forces

The French army was made up of 2,250 European foot soldiers and 1,300 Indian sepoys. They had 300 European cavalry and 3,000 Maratha foot soldiers. The French had 16 cannons.

How the Battle Unfolded

Map of Vandavasi, c. 1771

The French army was led by a general named Thomas Arthur, comte de Lally. They were having trouble because they didn't have enough support from their navy (ships) and they were running low on money. They tried to take back a fort at Vandavasi.

While the French were trying to capture the fort, the British forces attacked them. The British were led by Sir Eyre Coote. The fight was very intense, but the British won a clear victory. The French were completely defeated.

What Happened After the Battle?

Political situation in India at the end of the Seven Years' War

After their big win at Wandiwash, the British took control of several nearby towns. These included Chetpattu, Tirunomalai, Tindivanam, and Perumukkal.

The French forces in South India, led by General Marquis de Bussy-Castelnau, were then stuck in one place: Pondichéry. They had to surrender there on January 22, 1761.

This defeat in India was a major reason why France had to sign the Treaty of Paris in 1763. This treaty greatly reduced France's power in India. They became little more than traders. This battle effectively ended France's dreams of building a large empire in India. On the other hand, Britain became the strongest European power in India after this battle.

See also

• Great Britain in the Seven Years' War
• France in the Seven Years' War