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.
On July 23, 1780, as Hyder Ali moved into the Carnatic with an estimated force of around 86–100,000 men, it was not the Nawab but the British who had angered Hyder Ali by capturing the French-protected port of Mahé.