Mains Daily Question
March 7, 2024
Q.2 ‘The Britishers mastered the art of political control via intervening in the Indian ruler’s dispute, but it was Dupleix who showed the way.’ Elucidate. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: The question talks about how Britishers used the tactics of intervening in Indian ruler’s dispute/fight. The second half of the statement traces the tactic to French Governor Dupleix. Here, we first need to explain the tactics of intervening used by Dupleix . Then, we need to state how Britishers mastered the technique and the instances when they’ve used it. Introduction: We can introduce the answer by stating when the first time Dupleix was used intervening tactic in India. We can also start by giving the context of question i.e., how come the Britishers and French used the tactic or what was their intention. Body: Since the question asks us to elucidate, we need to use examples and facts to further explain the statement. Thus, the first half shall include strategies/tactics used by Dupleix whereas the second half shall state how Britishers used the same tactics for consolidating their position in India. Conclusion: We can conclude by summarizing the arguments of body section or we can state the long-term impact of Britishers tactics in India like the 1857 revolt. |
Answer: The British came to India with the intention of trading but the events of Carnatic wars, followed by Bengal wars (Plassey and Buxar) gave them the tactical advantage which helped them to rule over India. Amongst those tactical advantages was the policy of intervening in the Indian ruler’s dispute.
Marcus Dupleix Tactics
- Master of Diplomacy: The analysis of the first two Carnatic wars proves the diplomacy of Dupleix as a leader who visualized the path of the European conquest of India.
- Use of Local Leaders/Situations: Dupleix used the Nawab of Carnatic to forbid the English from waging war in his territories so that the French settlements at Pondicherry could be protected.
- For instance, in return for cooperation, the nawab was promised Madras after the English got defeated. But Dupleix, using his diplomacy, didn’t give Madras to the nawab and even defeated him at St. Thome (1746).
- Internal Matters: Dupleix was the first European to interfere in the internal politics of the Indian rulers.
- For instance, he supported Muzzaffar Jang for Hyderabad and Chanda Sahib for Carnatic and his candidates emerged successful and, in return, gave great concessions to Dupleix.
- Originator of Subsidiary Alliance: Dupleix was the originator of the practice of subsidiary alliance in India.
- For example, he placed a French army at Hyderabad at the expense of the subahdar.
British Mastered Dupleix Tactics
- Successful Use of Interference Policy: The British used the policy in its subsequent military campaigns such as the Battle of Buxar or countering the French in Carnatic wars by supporting opposing candidates.
- Policy of Subsidiary Alliance: Lord Wellesley framed the policy, where the British would support one Indian ruler against another ruler.
- For example, the British signed the subsidiary alliance with various states like Hyderabad (1798), Mysore (1799), Tanjore (1799), Awadh (1801) etc.
- Repetitive Use of Subsidiary Alliance: Subsidiary alliances brought immense gains for the East India Company by extending the areas under British control.
- For instance, during the seven-year rule of Wellesley alone, over 100 small and big states of India signed the subsidiary treaty.
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Policy of Subsidiary Alliance
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The policy of subsidiary alliance (policy of interference) made Indian rulers dependent on the British for their survival. The British used them as pawns, disposing of them as per their whims, which ultimately made the British the master of the Indian subcontinent.
