Question

what is the claim to paramountcy

Answer 1

The doctrine of paramountcy is the legal principle that reconciles contradicting or conflicting laws in a federalist state, where both the central government, and the provincial or state governments, have the power to create laws in relation to the same matters.

Answer 2

Under Lord Hastings, the East India Company pursued territorial expansion and  policy of 'paramountcy'   to state that British  power was more than any Indian state. Under this claim, they justified their annexation of other territories. it may help you