Chapter I: The Mohammedan Conquest of India 167

The Mahrattas 168

European Voyages to India 168

The English East India Company 169

First British Troops sent to India 171

The first Military Establishment in Bombay 171

The French East India Company 172

Settlements of the Rival Companies in 1701 173

Skill of the French in handling natives 174

Death of Aurungzebe; virtual Independence of the Deccan 175

Joseph François Dupleix 175

La Bourdonnais; Dumas 176

Native Disputes in the Carnatic 176

Dumas raised to rank of Nabob 178

War between France and England declared 179

Siege and Capture of Madras 180

Quarrel of Dupleix and La Bourdonnais 181

Paradis at St. Thomé 183

French invest Fort St. David 185

Stringer Lawrence at Cuddalore 187

Boscawen arrives and besieges Pondicherry 188

Misconduct of the Siege 189

The Siege raised; Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle 190

CHAPTER II

British Interference at Tanjore 192

Dupleix's Schemes for French Predominance in the Deccan 193

Bussy installed at Aurungabad 197

Zenith of French Rule in India 197

The British resolve to Oppose the French 198

The Contest centres about Trichinopoly 198

The British shut up in Trichinopoly 199

Clive proposes a diversion against Arcot 200

His Operations 200

Action of Covrepauk 204

Lawrence Marches to relieve Trichinopoly 209

The French retire to Seringham 210

Surprise of Clive's Force at Samiaveram 211

Surrender of the French Force 214

CHAPTER III

Intrigues of Dupleix; British Successes Neutralised 215

Defeat of Major Kinnear 216

Lawrence's Victory at Bahoor 217

Clive at Chingleput and Covelong 218

Contest for Trichinopoly renewed 221

Perilous Situation of the British 223

Lawrence's First Victory before Trichinopoly 224

His Second Victory 226

His Third Victory 230

Dupleix's attempt to surprise Trichinopoly fails 233

His Proposals for Peace rejected 233

Lawrence's situation at Trichinopoly still critical 234

Suspension of Arms; Recall of Dupleix 236

BOOK IX