Final answer:
The British fought against the French and their ally, the Mughal Empire, in India during the Seven Years' War. This conflict extended Britain's influence in India following significant victories at the Battle of Plassey and the capture of Pondicherry, resulting in the decline of French power in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Seven Years' War in India
The Seven Years' War became a global conflict, involving many regions including India. In the Battle for Madras, the British fought against the French and their allies, the Mughal Empire. The war, which began as a dispute over European dominance, quickly escalated as colonial powers like Britain and France sought to expand their influence and control over trade and territories around the world, including India.
In 1757, British forces defeated the ruler of Bengal, a French ally, at the Battle of Plassey. This victory was significant as it allowed for unopposed British trade in Bengal and marked the ascendancy of the British over the French in the region. The British East India Company gained control of territory greater than Britain itself and, after the capture of the French stronghold of Pondicherry in 1761, the French influence in India substantially declined, leaving the British East India Company in a dominant position.
The Seven Years' War was remarkably extensive, spreading to North America as the French and Indian War, and reflecting the intensity of the imperial rivalry between Britain and France. Ultimately, the British emerged as the leading economic, military, and political power after their victory in this war.