Dictionary of Indian Biography/Bussy-Castelnau, Charles Joseph Patissier, Marquis de
BUSSY-CASTELNAU, CHARLES JOSEPH PATISSIER, MARQUIS DE (1718–1785)
French officer : was in La Bourdonnais' expedition to India in 1746 : through his influence, Salabat Jang was made Nizam of Hyderabad in 1751, on the death of Muzaflfar Jang : Bussy secured French ascendency at Hyderabad and the grant of the Northern Sircars : fighting for the Nizam, he defeated the Nawab of Savanore, but was, through jealousy, ordered in 1756 to leave the Nizam's territory : soon regained his supremacy : refused assist- ance to Sturajuddaula, Nawab Nazim of Murshidabad in 1757 : he seized Vizagapatam and other English fortresses, and secured Daulatabad for Salabat Jang. In June, 1758, when at the zenith of his power, he was recalled by Lally, the new French Governor-General at Pondicherry : in the battle of Wandiwash, in which Sir Ejnre Coote defeated Lally, in Jan., 1760, Bussy was taken prisoner by the English, but released. After the capture of Pondicherry on Jan. 16, 1761, no mention is made of Bussy in India until 1783, when he was landed with French troops, by Admiral Suflxein, to reinforce Cuddalore, then besieged by the English. On the declaration of peace between France and England, Bussy withdrew the French troops from the support of Tippoo. He is said to have gained a large fortune in India and to have been highly regarded by Dupleix. He died at Pondicherry, Jan. 1785.