The historical Battle of Porto Novo was a significant conflict that occurred on July 1, 1781, between Hyder Ali of Mysore and the British East India Company. The British emerged victorious, halting Hyder Ali's expansionist ambitions. This article provides a detailed timeline of the events.
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The Second Anglo-Mysore War was triggered in 1780 when Hyder Ali of Mysore declared war against the British, as a retaliation to an English attack on Mahe, a French possession within his dominion.
In July of the same year, Hyder Ali invaded the Carnatic region, causing significant losses to the British. This led to the British strengthening their defences in South India and dispatching reinforcements under the command of Sir Eyre Coote, a British army officer, to Madras.
Despite initial setbacks, Coote managed to defeat Ali in a series of battles, starting with the Battle of Porto Novo, also known as the Battle of Chelambram. Today, Porto Novo is known as Parangipettai and is located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
In the Battle of Porto Novo, Coote led a force of just over 8000 men against Ali's army of 40,000.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the British emerged victorious. Coote's tactical prowess is credited with thwarting Hyder Ali's expansionist ambitions.
Following the Battle of Porto Novo, Ali suffered further defeats at the hands of Coote at Pollilur and Sholinghur.
The Second Anglo-Mysore War concluded with the Treaty of Mangalore, signed on March 11, 1784, between Tipu Sultan and the East India Company. The treaty stipulated that both parties would restore the territories and prisoners captured during the war.
Hyder Ali passed away in 1782 and was succeeded by his son, Tipu Sultan.
Two more wars ensued between the English and the Mysore army, culminating in the English victory following the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799, which led to the death of Tipu Sultan.
Also on this day:1882: Birth of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. His birth anniversary is celebrated as 'National Doctors’ Day' in India. Interestingly, he passed away on the same date in 1962.1927: Birth of former Prime Minister of India, Chandrasekhar.1962: Passing of freedom fighter Purushottam Das Tandon.Visit previous 'This Day in History' here.
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