Second Siege of Trichinopoly
| Second Siege of Trichinopoly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part of 2nd Carnatic War | ||
| Date: | 3 January 1753 - | |
| Location: | Trichinopoly, Tamil Nadu | |
| Presidency: | Madras | |
| Co-ordinates: | 10.833284°N 78.697513°E | |
| Result: | British victory | |
| Combatants | ||
| East India Company | Mysore Mahrattas French | |
| Commanders | ||
| Captain Dalton Col Stringer Lawrence |
Nandaraj Morari Rao M. Astruc M. Brennier | |
| Strength | ||
| Dalton's Garrison: 200 Europeans and 1,500 sepoys Lawrence's force: 650 Europeans and 1,500 sepoys |
French: 450 Europeans and 1,500 sepoys Mysoreans: 8,000 horse and 1,200 foot Mahrattas: 3,500 canalry and 15,000 irregular infantry | |
| Casualties | ||
This was an event during the 2nd Carnatic War
Synopsis
Siege begins
The Mysoreans occupying Srirangam had professed friendship with the Nawab of Arcot and the British while inriguing with Dupleix at Pondicherry. Realising the situation Captain Dalton attempted to drive them and the Mahrattas out of Srirangam on 3 January 1753 but was repulsed with considerable loss. Dalton found himself besieged and with only three weeks supplies. An appeal to Fort St David brought Stringer Lawrence and reinforcements which arrived on 17 May.
Attempt on Seringham
Lawrence made another attempt to clear the enemy out of Srirangam on 21 May but had to retire to Fukeer's Tope 4 miles south of the town (see 1753 map). Astruc managed to occupy raised ground called FIve Rocks which allowed him to control the area around the town.
Battle of Golden Rock
On 7 July Astruc took possession of another eminence called Golden Rock but was driven off by Lawrence's grenadiers.
Battle of Sugarloaf Rock
Lawrence left in search of supplies returning on 18 August not only with a convoy but with 5,000 troops from Tanjore and 170 Europeans & 300 sepoys from Fort St David. M. Brennier, who had replaced M. Astruc, deployed his forces between Golden Rock and Sugarloaf Rock to prevent access to the town. In the action that followed The French and their allies were defeated and retreated to Weyconda from where they were driven out on 4 September moving Mootchellinoor across the Cauveri River from Seringham. M. Ansruc then returned with 400 Europeans, 2,000 sepoys and six guns with 3,000 Mahratta cavalry and took command once more. The French were then able to retake the Five Rocks, and the Golden and Sugarloaf Rocks, and resumed intercepting supplies. Lawrence moved to Elmiseram where he received reinforcements of 237 Europeans and 300 sepoys on 27 September.
External Links
2nd Carnatic War 1748-54 Wikipedia
Carnatic Wars www.heritage-history.com
Historical books on-line
History of the French in India: from the founding of Pondichery in 1674 to the capture of that palce in 1761 by Major G B Malleson 1868
Events in the second siege
Attempt on Seringham
Battle of Golden Rock
Battle of Sugarloaf Rock