Battles & Campaigns · 1751
Siege of Arcot
Arcot, Tamil Nadu, India
What happened
Clive took the town of Arcot without a fight, to draw enemy forces away from Trichinopoly. Raza Sahib's army then besieged the fort for weeks. The small garrison held out through shortages and disease, and beat off a final attack in November.
Why it matters
Wallajah became Nawab of the Carnatic, and British influence grew at the expense of the French. The siege made Clive famous in Europe.
What came next
More British victories at Arni and Kaveripak followed, strengthening Wallajah's position.
Did you know?
William Pitt the Elder called Clive, who had no formal military training, a 'heaven-born general'.
Timeline
- Summer 1751Chanda Sahib besieges Trichinopoly.
- 1751Clive occupies Arcot without firing a shot.
- 23 Sep 1751Raza Sahib's force occupies the town.
- 14 Nov 1751Final assault is driven off; the siege ends.