Previous Year Question
With reference to the Treaty of “Aix-la-Chapelle - 1748” which of the following statements is/are correct?
The I Carnatic War was ended.
The English got back Madras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The First Carnatic War was fought during 1746–1748 between the English and French East India Companies in South India. Its background was the War of Austrian Succession in Europe, in which Britain and France were on opposing sides. This European conflict spread to India in the form of Anglo-French rivalry.
During the war, the French captured Madras on 21 September 1746. French forces also defeated the army of Nawab Anwar-ud-din of the Carnatic near Adyar. This demonstrated that disciplined European military units could overcome much larger Indian armies.
The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 brought the War of Austrian Succession in Europe to an end. Its effects extended to India, where the First Carnatic War also came to an end. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
Under the terms of the settlement, Madras was restored to the English. In return, Britain restored the French possession of Louisbourg in North America. Therefore, Statement 2 is also correct.
The treaty did not permanently end Anglo-French competition in India. Intervention by the two powers in the succession disputes of Hyderabad and the Carnatic soon resulted in the Second Carnatic War (1749–1754).
Thus, both the ending of the First Carnatic War and the restoration of Madras to the English were connected with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.