Siege of Trichinopoly (1751–1752)

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The siege of Trichinopoly (1751–1752) was part of the Second Carnatic War. It took place at Tiruchirappalli (modern Tamil Nadu). The British–Maratha alliance won.

Who fought
- Opponents: Chanda Sahib, backed by the French East India Company, attacked the fortress town of Trichinopoly, which was held by Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah with support from the British East India Company and the Marathas. Other regional powers also became involved.
- Leaders: Chanda Sahib (Nawab of Carnatic) with French commanders D’Auteuil and later Law; Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah with British support; British leaders included Robert Clive and Stringer Lawrence; Maratha and other allies included Naneraja (Mysore), Murari Rao (Gooty), and Pratap Singh of Thanjavur.

What happened
- After the 1749 Battle of Ambur, Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah fled to Trichinopoly. Chanda Sahib had planned to besiege him there but first attacked Tanjore; shifting threats and funding changes forced Chanda to move north.
- In March 1751, Chanda advanced again with French support. The British at Madras sent more troops toward Trichinopoly. A brief clash near Valikondapuram in July drove the British back into the fortress and allowed Chanda to begin the siege.
- The siege was mainly conducted by the French under D’Auteuil and then Law. To relieve Trichinopoly, the British sent Captain Robert Clive to occupy Arcot. Chanda sent about 4,000 troops to Arcot, but that relief effort failed, boosting Clive’s standing.
- Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah received help from Mysore, Murari Rao, and Pratap Singh of Thanjavur as the siege continued.

How it ended
- In April 1752, British reinforcements under Stringer Lawrence arrived and linked with the garrison on 9 April. On 11 April, Lawrence led a successful breakout against the besiegers.
- Law then withdrew the French from the siege to the island of Srirangam. The British turned to attack the French on the island.
- Chanda Sahib eventually surrendered to forces from Thanjavur, who had come to help the British, believing it better than surrendering to the British. Thanjavur officials violated promises to help him escape and beheaded him on 14 June. The French commander Law surrendered his troops on the same day.