Question

Why Dupleix Failed in India

Answer 1

Answer:

Naval Strength: ... Dupleix did not appreciate the greater importance of the navy in the colonial expansion in India, on the contrary, he relied more on the land forces. Deficiency in naval strength was the major cause of the French failure in face of English naval superiority.

Answer 2

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Dupleix was recalled in 1754 due to the intial defeat of the French army in the Second Carnatic War and the heavy cost incurred by the company due to Dupleix's political decisions. Many historians have called the recall of Dupleix by the directors as a blunder - a result of a compromise between France and England over issues in America. However, there were some weaknesses in Dupleix also, which can be put in breif as follows :-

• Dupleix suffered from an over-sanguine temperament. He hoped too often for too long, thus losing the advantage in critical situations.

• The peers of Dupleix didn't like his autocratic behaviour and on many occasions quarrelled with him on his matter.

• Dupleix was not a man of action : he planned a campaign, directed his lieutenants, but never led an army in the battlefield like lawrence or Clive. The french failed to capture Trichinopoly (1752-53) because the schemes thought out by Dupleix could not be turned into action by his commanders.