Britain and France had been struggling for colonial supremacy in India for several years. in 1746 the city had been captured at the Battle of Madras, but was returned in 1748. Following the fresh outbreak of war both sides were soon in conflict again. By 1757 Britain held the upper hands after several victories by Robert Clive. In 1758 French reinforcements under Lally had arrived in Pondicherry and set about advancing France's position on the Coromandel Coast, notably capturing Fort St. David. This caused alarm to the British, most of whose troops were with Clive in Bengal. Lally was poised to strike against Madras in June 1758, but short of money, he launched an unsuccessful attack on Tanjore hoping to raise revenue there. By the time he was ready to launch his assault on Madras it was D