Correct Option
Joseph François Dupleix, who served as the French Governor of Pondicherry from 1742 to 1754, was the first European to systematically initiate the policy of interfering in the internal quarrels of Indian princes. His objective was to expand French influence and acquire territories by exploiting the rivalries among local rulers. Dupleix raised and trained an army of Indian sepoys in European military tactics and deployed them to support various claimants to thrones, thereby securing political and territorial concessions for the French. This strategy marked a significant shift from purely commercial interests to active political intervention and territorial expansion.
Incorrect Options
Clive: Robert Clive, a prominent British officer, later adopted and effectively utilized Dupleix's strategy of intervening in Indian politics to establish British supremacy, particularly during the Carnatic Wars and the Battle of Plassey. However, he was not the originator of this policy.
Albuquerque: Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese governor in the early 16th century, focused primarily on establishing Portuguese naval dominance, fortifying coastal trading outposts, and controlling maritime trade routes. His policies did not involve systematic intervention in the internal political disputes of Indian princes for territorial acquisition in the manner pioneered by Dupleix.
Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings served as the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785. While he played a pivotal role in consolidating British rule and expanding their territories through administrative reforms and military campaigns, the policy of initiating intervention in princely quarrels for territorial gain had already been established and perfected by his predecessors, notably Dupleix and Clive.