Explanation
Option (b) is correct: Joseph François Dupleix, the French Governor-General in India, was the first European to actively involve himself in the disputes and power struggles of Indian rulers. Dupleix actively pursued a policy of interference in local Indian disputes, particularly during the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) and the succession conflicts in Hyderabad. He supported rival claimants and used French military power to influence Indian politics. In the First Carnatic War (1746-1748), Dupleix allied with Chanda Sahib against Anwar-ud-Din, the Nawab of Arcot, to strengthen French influence in the region. During the Second Carnatic War (1749-1754), he backed Muzaffar Jung for the throne of Hyderabad and Chanda Sahib for the Nawabship of Arcot, aiming to expand French control in South India. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
Robert Clive, known for expanding British rule in India, adopted similar strategies to Dupleix, especially after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general, focused on maritime dominance, controlling key ports like Goa and Malacca, rather than engaging in local territorial disputes. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal (1773-1785), implemented reforms but built upon the policies of Clive and Dupleix, not initiating the first interventions in princely conflicts.