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 CHAPTER XV

Haidar declares War against the English – His Invasion of Madras Territory, and Military Operations up to his Death

Haidar had at length resolved on war, and on carrying out, so far as he was concerned, the conditions laid before him by the Maratha envoy, Ganesh Ráo. These prescribed mutual co-operation on the part of the Maráthás, the Nizám, and Haidar, the last to be confirmed in possession of the territory held by him north of the Tungábhadra, while the tribute payable by him in future was to be fixed at 11 lacs. The general scheme of the confederacy was, that the Maráthás should invade Berár, Central and Northern India, while Nizám Alí undertook the subjugation of the Sarkárs, and Haidar Alí that of the Madras territory and Southern India. The coalition was a formidable one, and, when aided by the French, threatened the very existence of the British power in India.

Haidar now began his preparations for this invasion which he had so long contemplated. Having made due provision for the protection of all the principal