Disputes and war Impeachment of Warren Hastings

hastings initial accuser sir philip francis

hastings ran opposition on council. principal enemy irish-born politician philip francis. francis developed strong dislike of hastings , convinced governor general s policies self-serving , destructive. belief shared other members of council whom able influence. francis , hastings personal rivalry continued many years , led duel between them in 1780 in francis wounded, not killed. francis returned britain in 1781 , began raising questions hastings conduct. found support many leading opposition whigs.

in 1780 hyder ali, ruler of mysore, went war company after british forces captured french-controlled port of mahé. taking advantage of britain s involvement in american war of independence , support of french forces hyder went on offensive , enjoyed success during opening stages of war, inflicting serious defeat @ battle of pollilur , @ 1 point threatening madras capture. commander in chief eyre coote went south reinforcements , defeated hyder s army in series of battles helped steady position in carnatic. hyder unable secure victory , war ended in stalemate. halted treaty of mangalore in 1784 largely restored status quo ante bellum. so, british position in india had been severely threatened.

the war shook public confidence , raised questions supposed mismanagement company s agents in india. proved catalyst growing campaign in london against hastings gathered strength during ensuing years.