When Hyder Ali swept into the Carnatic towards Arcot on 23 July 1780, with an army estimated at 86–100,000 men, it was not the Nawab however, but the British who had provoked Hyder Ali's wrath, by seizing the French port of Mahé which was under his protection.
When Hyder Ali advanced into the Carnatic toward Arcot on 23 July 1780, with an estimated force of 86–100,000 soldiers, it was not the Nawab but the British who had riled Hyder Ali's ire by seizing the French-controlled port of Mahé.