a firm alliance with the English, and, although he maintained a semblance of friendship for a time, he felt that his own security necessitated his seeking support elsewhere. Animated by these feelings, he entered into correspondence with M. Bellecombe, the French Governor of Pondicherry, who, foreseeing an opportunity of restoring the prestige of his nation in India, readily furnished him with stores and ammunition, and promised him assistance. Haidar still hesitated however, before coming to an open rupture with us, and peace might have been preserved but for certain events which excited his indignation.
On war breaking out between England and France. Pondicherry was captured from the French after a gallant resistance in 1778, and in March of the ensuing year, Mahé[1], on the Malabar coast, also fell before the British troops. Haidar, who was in possession of the whole of Malabar, except the few places occupied by European settlements, was enraged at the seizure of Mahé, which he alleged to be under his protection. His soldiers had in fact assisted in its defence. His main objection to its occupation by the English was that through Mané he derived his military supplies, and he threatened the British Government that, in the event of Mahé being attacked, he would retaliate by invading Arcot. The capture of the settlement led to an uprising of the Náirs, who were anxious to throw off Haidar's yoke, but the rebellion
- ↑ This small French settlement has an area of only five square miles, with a population of 8,400, and is subordinate to Pondicherry.
