The Carnatic Wars: A Detailed Exploration of 18th Century South Indian Conflicts

History is more than a collection of facts. These facts serve as the foundation for historians to interpret and make sense of the past. Michael Oakeshott famously remarked that history is created by the historian. However, the book The Carnatic Wars challenges this notion by aligning more closely with German historian Leopold von Ranke’s approach of recounting history exactly as it happened, without reinterpretation.

The study of 18th century India has grown significantly over the last 45 years, especially concerning its economy and social structures. Earlier examinations tended to focus largely on the rise of British power and its military encounters with regional forces like Mysore and the Marathas. The conflict with the Sikhs, in contrast, is mostly a 19th century development. This book situates itself firmly within this expanding scholarship by concentrating on the Carnatic Wars and their pivotal role in shaping South Indian history.

One of the book’s valuable features is the inclusion of a comprehensive Timeline of Events at the beginning, helping readers track the major incidents without losing context. It also provides a Cast of Characters, which, although not exhaustive, assists readers in keeping the many figures straight. A similar reference for frequently mentioned places and rivers would have been helpful, but the existing aids already improve the reading experience.

The narrative begins with the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire, an appropriate starting point since it marks the end of a major political order in South India. This chapter also touches upon the fragmentation of the Bahmani kingdom into five successor states, including Golkonda, which becomes the focal point of the conflicts described. This section stands out as particularly engaging and well-written.

The following chapter explores the term “Carnatic” itself and its political significance. It notes that British ambitions for an Indian empire were present by the late 17th century but were limited by the strength of the Mughal Empire at that time. While the chapter’s title, "Wither ‘Carnatic’?" may confuse some readers, the content clarifies the region's evolving political identity.

Next, the author places the town and province of Arcot within the broader political framework of the era, setting the stage for the decades of conflict to come. Here, the author occasionally shifts from historian to chronicler, recounting events with a narrative style.

Four main actors dominate the story from this point onward. The first is Asaf Jah, the Nizam of Hyderabad, described by historian Jadunath Sarkar as a formidable warrior. The second group consists of the Nawabs of Arcot and their associates. Then come the two European trading companies: the British East India Company and the French Compagnie des Indes. Additionally, the Dutch and Portuguese played smaller roles, while the Marathas, under leaders like Raghu Bhonsle, acted as both threats and allies. Figures such as Chanda Saheb also emerge as influential, with his eventual death seen as a fitting consequence of his actions.

Initially, the French seemed to hold the upper hand, despite leadership struggles. The book, however, leaves some questions unanswered, such as why the successful French officer La Bourdonnais was recalled to France and imprisoned in the Bastille. Intrigues involving the French governor-general Joseph François Dupleix and La Bourdonnais’ dealings with the English Nicholas Morse may have played a part, but the narrative does not fully explore these aspects.

The author remains true to the book's title by focusing on battles and wars rather than providing a full military history. The constant shifts in alliances, combined with personal ambition, treachery, and battlefield tactics, shaped the outcomes more than formal strategies developed in colonial administrative centers. Diplomacy also played a role, alongside unforeseen conflicts that nearly had major consequences, such as one that almost cost Robert Clive his life.

Still, some key questions remain. How did Robert Clive, who started as a clerk for the East India Company, evolve into a military leader whose name is widely recognized in India? When he marched on Arcot in 1751, he led just eight men, six of whom were civilians. Another puzzle is how Dupleix, not a soldier himself, maintained control of French forces for over a decade amid internal rivalries.

The book offers several lesser-known details. For example, Clive also served as chief victualler and supplier for the English forces, showcasing his resourcefulness early on. Despite these strengths, the book sometimes delves too deeply into details, which may overwhelm readers, especially when multiple conflicting accounts are presented without guidance.

There are minor inconsistencies and editorial oversights, such as confusion about place names and dates. For instance, the French preparations to attack Pondicherry are described ambiguously, and the term “Karnatak” is inconsistently applied. A notable error includes a birth year for Charles Joseph Pattissier listed as 1920, which is clearly incorrect.

Despite these flaws, the book’s most significant contribution lies in its thorough depiction of the events leading to the Maratha defeat and the complex interplay of regional powers, European interests, and local ambitions. It provides readers with a detailed, fact-based look at a turbulent period that set the stage for the eventual establishment of British dominance in southern India.