Although called an island, Seringam is in fact a long narrow tongue of land, running between the two branches of the river Kavari.

In some places these arms are but a few hundred yards apart, and the island can therefore be defended against an attack along the land.

But the retreat of the French by this line was equally difficult, as we held the narrowest part of the neck, two miles from Koiladi.
Upon the south, our forces at Trichinopoli faced the French across the river.

Upon the other side of the Kolrun, as the northern arm of the Kavari is called, the French could cross the river and make their retreat, if necessary, in any direction.

The two principal roads, however, led from Paichandah, a strong fortified position on the bank of the river, facing the temple of Seringam.
Clive saw that a force crossing the river, and taking up its position on the north, would entirely cut off Law's army in the island; would intercept any reinforcements sent by Dupleix to its rescue; and might compel the surrender of the whole French army.