Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The 18th century witnessed a power vacuum in India following the decline of the Mughal Empire. This created opportunities for European trading companies, particularly the French and the English, to assert their influence. Joseph François Dupleix, the French Governor of Pondicherry, is often credited with pioneering a new approach to establishing colonial dominance – not through direct conquest, but through astute political maneuvering and intervention in the internal disputes of Indian rulers. This strategy, initially conceived by Dupleix, was later adopted and significantly expanded upon by the English East India Company, ultimately leading to their supremacy in India. This answer will elaborate on Dupleix’s initial interventions and how the English perfected the technique of acquiring political control through indirect means.
Dupleix’s Policy of Intervention (1744-1754)
Dupleix’s strategy was rooted in the realization that direct military conquest of India was impractical and expensive. Instead, he focused on establishing French influence at Indian courts by offering military assistance and political support to rival claimants to power. This policy was largely driven by the Carnatic Wars, a series of conflicts between the French and the English in South India.
- First Carnatic War (1746-1748): Dupleix intervened in the succession dispute in Hyderabad, backing Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah against Nasir Jung. Though the war ended inconclusively with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, it demonstrated the potential of this strategy.
- Second Carnatic War (1749-1754): This war saw more decisive French involvement. Dupleix supported Muzaffar Jung in the Deccan and Mahfuz Khan in the Carnatic, securing significant concessions and territorial gains for France. He even obtained the *Nizam’s* territory of Masulipatam.
- System of Alliances: Dupleix established a system of subsidiary alliances, providing military support in exchange for political and economic concessions. This allowed the French to exert considerable influence over the affairs of Indian states.
The English Adaptation and Perfection of the Technique
While Dupleix laid the foundation, it was the English East India Company, under figures like Robert Clive, who truly perfected the art of intervention and political control. They learned from the French successes and failures, and adapted the strategy to their advantage.
- Battle of Plassey (1757): This pivotal battle marked a turning point. Clive exploited the internal rivalries within the Bengal court, supporting Mir Jafar against Siraj-ud-Daulah. The English victory secured control over Bengal, a crucial economic and strategic region. This was a direct application of Dupleix’s principles, but executed with greater ruthlessness and efficiency.
- Battle of Buxar (1764): Following Plassey, the English faced resistance from a coalition of Indian powers. The victory at Buxar solidified English control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, and established the Company as the dominant power in eastern India.
- Subsidiary Alliance System (1798-1805): Lord Wellesley formalized the system of subsidiary alliances, requiring Indian rulers to disband their armies and accept a British resident at their court. In return, the Company provided military protection. This effectively turned Indian states into protectorates, stripping them of their sovereignty.
- Doctrine of Lapse (1848-1857): Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, this policy annexed states where the ruler died without a natural male heir. This further expanded British control and fueled resentment among Indian rulers.
Comparison: Dupleix vs. English East India Company
| Feature | Dupleix’s Approach | English East India Company’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Intervention | Limited to specific succession disputes and regional conflicts. | Widespread, encompassing entire states and regions. |
| Ruthlessness | Relatively restrained, focused on securing concessions. | More aggressive and ruthless, willing to use force and deception. |
| Systematization | Ad-hoc and opportunistic. | Systematic and formalized through policies like Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse. |
| Long-term Vision | Focused on establishing French trading dominance. | Focused on establishing complete political and economic control over India. |
While Dupleix initiated the policy of intervention, the English East India Company possessed greater resources, a more ambitious vision, and a willingness to employ more ruthless tactics. They transformed Dupleix’s initial strategy into a comprehensive system of political control, ultimately leading to the establishment of British rule in India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dupleix undeniably pioneered the strategy of intervening in Indian princely states’ affairs to acquire political control. However, the English East India Company, learning from the French experience, refined and perfected this technique through systematic policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse, coupled with decisive military victories. While Dupleix showed the way, it was the English who ultimately capitalized on it, transforming India into a cornerstone of the British Empire. The legacy of this period continues to shape India’s political landscape even today.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.