Siege of Ambur facts for kids

The siege of Ambur was an important battle that happened in southern India between November 10 and December 7, 1767. It was part of a bigger conflict called the First Anglo-Mysore War. During this siege, a strong army from the Mysore Kingdom and Hyderabad tried to capture the town of Ambur. This combined army was led by a powerful ruler named Hyder Ali. However, the town was successfully defended by local soldiers and a small group of troops from the British East India Company, who were led by Captain Calvert.

What Was the Siege of Ambur?

The siege of Ambur was a military event where an army tries to capture a town or fort by surrounding it and cutting off its supplies. In this case, the combined forces of Mysore and Hyderabad wanted to take control of Ambur. The battle lasted for nearly a month, from November 10 to December 7, 1767.

Who Was Involved in the Battle?

The main people and groups involved were:

• Hyder Ali: He was the powerful ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He led the attacking forces.
• Kingdom of Mysore: A strong kingdom in southern India.
• Hyderabad State: Another important state in India that joined forces with Mysore.
• British East India Company: A British trading company that also had its own army in India.
• Captain Calvert: He was the British officer who led the defenders of Ambur.
• Local Troops: Soldiers from the Ambur area who fought to protect their town.

Why Did the Siege Happen?

The siege of Ambur was part of the First Anglo-Mysore War. This war was a big conflict between the Kingdom of Mysore (led by Hyder Ali) and the British East India Company. Both sides wanted more power and control over different parts of southern India. Hyder Ali wanted to expand his territory and challenge the British. Capturing towns like Ambur was an important part of his strategy.

How Did the Defenders Win?

Even though Hyder Ali's army was very large and powerful, the defenders of Ambur managed to hold their ground. Captain Calvert and the local troops showed great bravery and skill. They fought hard to protect their town from the attackers. After almost a month of fighting, Hyder Ali's forces were unable to break through Ambur's defenses. This meant that the siege was a success for the defenders, and Ambur remained safe.

What Was the Outcome of the Siege?

The siege of Ambur ended with the town successfully defended. This was a significant victory for the British East India Company and the local troops. It showed that even a smaller force could stand up to a larger, powerful army like Hyder Ali's. This event was one of many battles that took place during the First Anglo-Mysore War, which eventually ended with a peace treaty.