Joseph François
Dupleix
.
➢ Joseph Francois Dupleix was born at Landrecies in France on 1st
January 1697 and as the second son. His father François Dupleix ,
who eventually became a former-general of taxes. He sent his son on
a voyage to India and America in 1715 in a St.Malo ship. In 1721, his
father’s influence secured his appointment as the senior member of
the Conseil Supérieur at Pondicherry. Joseph François Dupleix was
appointed on 16th August 1722 as the Junior Conseiller of the
Masulipatam factory.
➢
He was appointed as a Conseiller of the Conseil Supérieur at Pondicherry (7
years). In 1726, he was removed from his post and he appealed against this
injustice done to him.On 30th Sept 1730 he got a favourable verdict and was
appointed on 28th Aug 1731, as the Director of the factory at Chandernagore,
which he managed with great success. After the Benoit Dumas, he was a
successor in French India settlement. Joseph François Dupleix was appointed
President of the Conseil Supérieur and as Governor of Pondicherry Town and
Fort on 14th January 1742, 16th Oct 1741 and 14th Januvary 1742.
➢
Joseph François Dupleix had accepted at Chandernagore the status of
Mansabdar accorded by the Mughal Emperor to the Governors of Pondicherry.
➢
Dupleix took measures to regularise the revenue of Chandernagore. It
noticeable for financial improvement of the Company. He extended the trade
of Chandernagore with new credit arrangements and even developed its as a
ship-building centre.
➢
During Austrian succession war Dupleix suggested neutrality between British
and French. But this proposal was rejected by the British. In Feb 1745, the
French ship Favori was seized by Commodore Peyton at Sumatra.
Anwaruddin khan, Nawab of Arcot, who, in March 1745, wrote letters to both
powers requesting them not to indulge in hostilities in the region. After a
series of event happened which includes the surrendering to La Bourdonnais
and Adyar War, Dupleix attention turned towards Fort St. David at Cuddalore.
➢
During 1748 raja sahib made request to Dupleix and Dupleix played 7 lakhs of
rupees to the Marathas and obtained the release of Chanda Sahib. In Deccan
Muzaffar Jung claimed the Nizamate for himself and request the help of
Dupleix to achieve his object.
➢
And then Dupleix entered into the triple alliance. The alliance met at Ambur
near Vellore. To defeated the Anwaruddin and dead in Battle of Ambur.
➢
To induce Dupleix to utilize the opportunity and to request for the grant of
certain villages from the Nawab who did it successfully. Villenour and Bahour
were granted to the French. Covelong to Dupleix, Port Novo to Madame
Dupleix.
➢
English who were alarmed at the increasing influence of the French, decided
to lend the support to Muhammed Ali. Muhammed Ali hesitated and in 1750
he entered the Carnatic with a large army. Then he wrote a letter to Dupleix
urging him to separate himself from the allies, as otherwise he would order all
the French factories on the Coromandel coast to be pulled down. On hearing
the news of the arrival of Nasir Jung, Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jung-siege
operations at Tanjore and forced to sign the treaty with the ruler of Pratap
Singh. After this a series of event happened and atlast Dupleix wanted the
English to recognise him as the Nawab appointed by the great Mughal, but
the English wanted the recognition of Muhammed Ali as the Nawab. Hence
the negotiations were broken off and war was. Renewed. Meanwhile irritated
Home authorities had decided to recall Dupleix on August 1, 1754.
➢
Dupleix was the first European who exploded the myth of the Mughal empire
and exposed the weakness of the Indian army. Even in the face of marching
debacles and mounting difficulties, he stood like a rock and met the worse
with coolness and boldness. But in spite of these great qualities, he failed
because of misfortunes, lack of financial resources and the unhelpful attitude
of the Home authorities. The company received a full and detailed account,
only six months after Dupleix was recalled. On receipt of the account, the
company cancelled his super cession, but as it happened, too late, for he had
already sailed for Home.
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