Battles & Campaigns · 1758
Siege of Madras
Madras (Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India
What happened
French troops entered the unwalled part of town and began firing on the fort in January 1759. Their attacks did not break the defences, while Muhammad Yusuf Khan's force harassed French supply lines. When British ships arrived with more soldiers in February, Lally gave up the siege.
Why it matters
The French failure was a major setback for their campaign in India. It helped prepare the way for later British dominance there.
What came next
The British went on the attack, defeated the French at Wandiwash, and captured Pondicherry in 1761.
Did you know?
The defenders reportedly fired 26,554 cannonballs during the siege.
Timeline
- 14 Dec 1758French troops enter Madras's 'Black Town'.
- 2 Jan 1759French guns open fire on the fort.
- 30 Jan 1759A British frigate arrives with money and soldiers.
- 16 Feb 1759British ships arrive; Lally ends the siege.