Q.3. Which of the following are the causes for the English success over French?
1. The English company operated as a privately owned enterprise, while the French company was under the control and regulation of the French government.
2. The superiority of the English navy over its French counterpart was evident.
3. The English controlled three significant locations—Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras—while the French held only Pondicherry.
4. The French prioritized territorial ambitions over commercial interests, leading to a shortage of funds for the French company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Ans. d
Explanation:
Causes for English Success:
Private Enterprise and Autonomy:
- The English company operated as a private enterprise, fostering enthusiasm and self-confidence.
- With minimal governmental control, the company could make instant decisions without waiting for government approval.
Naval Superiority: The English navy surpassed the French navy, enabling the disruption of crucial sea links between French possessions in India and France.
Strategic Holdings: The English controlled three key locations—Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras—compared to the French, who held only Pondicherry.
Balanced Priorities: Despite imperialistic goals, the British consistently prioritized commercial interests, maintaining a sound financial condition and ample funds for wars.
Effective Leadership: The English benefited from a multitude of skilled commanders, including Sir Eyre Coote, Major Stringer Lawrence, and Robert Clive, contributing to their success.
Causes for French Failure:
Government Control and Constraints:
- The French company, a State concern, faced control and regulation by the French government.
- This governmental oversight led to policy constraints and delays in decision-making.
Limited Geographical Holdings:The French were limited to Pondicherry, lacking the strategic advantage of holding key locations like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
Territorial Ambition Over Commercial Interest: The French subordinated commercial interests to territorial ambition, resulting in financial shortages for the French company.
Neglect of Commercial Interests: In contrast to the British, the French neglected commercial interests, exacerbating their financial challenges.
Lack of Diverse Leadership: The French side lacked a diverse set of leaders, with Dupleix being a singular prominent figure compared to the varied leadership on the English side.
