After nearly two years of conflict sparked by Raja Swarup Singh Bundela’s 1710 capture of two English officers, Lieutenant James Hugonin and Ensign Ray, the war between Gingee Fort and the English East India Company at Fort St. David reached a resolution in May 1712. Mediated by M. Hebert, the French Governor of Pondicherry, the peace treaty signed on May 5, 1712, brought an end to a ruinous war that devastated the Carnatic’s Valudavur region and disrupted trade. Drawing from Fort St. David consultations and correspondence, this blog post details the negotiations, the treaty’s articles, and the aftermath, offering a vivid account of a pivotal moment in Gingee’s history.
French Mediation: The Path to Peace
By March 10, 1712, the Fort St. David Council received a letter from M. Hebert, the French Governor of Pondicherry, who “very civilly” offered his services to mediate an end to the “ruinous war” with Swarup Singh. Recognizing the economic toll—4,000 pagodas monthly, deserted villages, and disrupted trade—the English accepted, agreeing to a cessation of hostilities. Ralph Raworth, Fort St. David’s Deputy Governor, was joined by Mr. Benyon, dispatched to Pondicherry to assist in negotiations and provide instructions, as noted in the Fort St. David Consultations.
A letter dated May 8, 1712, revealed a brief setback when Hebert feared the negotiations might collapse. Hebert had promised additional concessions beyond what Benyon was authorized to offer, raising the cost to 12,000 pagodas—1,000 more than Benyon’s limit. Despite this, the treaty was finalized on May 5, 1712, with Swarup Singh agreeing to cease hostilities and release the captives in exchange for the payment and territorial concessions.
Articles of the Treaty
The treaty, signed between the Fort St. David Government and Swarup Singh, as recorded in the Fort St. David Consultations of May 1712, included the following articles:
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Territorial Grant: Swarup Singh granted the English Company perpetual rights to Tiruvendipuram and its neighboring areas, including Padirikuppam and Carunatham (Coronatham), alongside other lands previously granted by Ramaraja and confirmed by Zulfikar Khan.
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Renters’ Debt: Swarup Singh agreed to transfer the renters’ debt to the English Company, resolving the core financial dispute that sparked the conflict.
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Prisoner Exchange: The English captives were to be immediately released and delivered to the mediator (Hebert), while the English would hand over their prisoners upon signing the treaty.
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Presents and Payment: Swarup Singh would provide a present and a teshariff (honorific gift) valued at 1,000 pagodas, deducted from the 11,000-pagoda payment, totaling 12,000 pagodas.
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Freedom of Trade: The treaty ensured freedom of trade and merchandise in the Gingee country, aiming to restore commercial activity.
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Lasting Peace: The peace was to be durable, with all past troubles forgotten to prevent future conflicts.
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Consequences for Violations: Any party violating the treaty would face consequences, ensuring mutual accountability.
This agreement, facilitated by Hebert’s mediation, marked the end of hostilities, securing the long-desired peace.
After the Treaty: Restoring Tranquility
A letter dated May 5, 1712, expressed optimism about the treaty, with Raworth anticipating the captives’ return from Gingee and hoping the peace would restore tranquility, allowing cultivation and trade to resume without interruption. By May 26, 1712, Benyon confirmed that the captives had been delivered to Pondicherry, and Swarup Singh had signed the treaty articles as agreed, fulfilling the terms.
A later letter from April 30, 1715, noted that Benyon covered expenses during the negotiations in Pondicherry, where Swarup Singh’s representatives formed a “numerous body.” Hebert, despite his critical role, received only a horse and vestments as a reward for his efforts, highlighting his selfless mediation.
The May 1712 treaty resolved a conflict rooted in Swarup Singh’s 1710 capture of English officers, triggered by unpaid renters’ debts and facilitated by former Governor Gabriel Roberts’ complicity. The war, costing 50–60,000 pagodas in destroyed grain and villages, including Yembollum, had strained both sides. Swarup Singh’s jagir, worth 12 lakhs of pagodas, placed him in contention with English claims secured from the Marathas and Zulfikar Khan. His defiance of Nawab Sadatullah Khan, who reported 70-lakh-rupee arrears to the Mughal court, further complicated regional dynamics. The treaty’s success, driven by Hebert’s mediation and supported by Checca Serappa’s assistance, marked a temporary de-escalation before the 1713 Anglo-French peace reached India. However, Swarup Singh’s death in 1714 left unresolved tensions, leading to his son Tej Singh’s rebellion.
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