Battle of the Golden Rock

01Mysore changes sides

Mysore had helped Muhammad Ali in 1752 on the promise of Trichinopoly itself. When he refused to hand it over, the Mysore general Nanjaraja joined the French, and Trichinopoly was besieged a second time. Lawrence came down from the coast to hold it. Outside the town stood a group of granite outcrops, one of which the English called the Golden Rock, where an English and sepoy picket was posted.

02The rock retaken

On 26 June 1753 the French under Astruc, with Mysore troops, stormed the Golden Rock and took it. Lawrence marched out at once with his main force, though it was smaller than the enemy’s, and attacked. His grenadiers carried the rock and his infantry pushed the French line back while the Mysore horse held off. The allies retired, and Lawrence was able to bring a convoy of supplies into the town.