In 1754, Godeheu gave up with the English the Indian territories, especially Madras, which had been conquered in 1746 by Dupleix and left the French with the Deccan region.
Robert Clive, a discontented young British factor who had left the countinghouse for the field, seized the fort of Arcot, political capital of Karnataka, with 210 men in August 1751.
This daring stroke had the hoped-for effect of diverting half of Chanda Sahib's army to its recovery.
Clive's successful 50-day defense permitted Mohamed Ali Khan Walajan to procure allies from Tanjore and the Marathas.
Dupleix never recovered from this blow and was superseded in August 1754 by his director Godehou, who made an unfavourable settlement with the British.