Battle of Wandiwash
Vandavasi (Wandiwash), Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India
What happened
A British East India Company army under Sir Eyre Coote fought a French army under the Comte de Lally, with the Marquis de Bussy. Britain and France were rivals for trade and power in southern India during the Third Carnatic War, part of the worldwide Seven Years' War. The French, short of money and help from their navy, tried to take back the fort at Vandavasi. Coote's army attacked and defeated them outside the town.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended French hopes of ruling in India. Britain became the strongest European power there.
What came next
The French were pushed back to Pondicherry, which surrendered on 22 January 1761.
Did you know?
'Wandiwash' is simply the way English speakers said the name of the town of Vandavasi.
Timeline
- 30 November 1759The British capture Vandavasi Fort.
- 22 January 1760Coote defeats the French at Wandiwash.
- 22 January 1761The French surrender Pondicherry.