Then, when the allies attacked, he defended the city for fifty-two days, at the end of which one of the gates of the town had been captured, and the city was virtually at the mercy of the besiegers.

He again delayed them by entering into negotiations for surrender.

In vain Dupleix continued to urge Chunda Sahib to act energetically, and to enter Tanjore.
"Chunda Sahib, however, although he has a good head for planning, is irresolute in action.

His troops were discontented at the want of pay.
The French contingent also was demoralized, from the same cause.

The troops feared to engage in a desperate struggle, in the streets of a town abounding with palaces, each of which was virtually a fortress; especially as it was known that Nazir Jung was marching, with all speed, to fall upon their rear.