Question

Which one of the following was not a factor for La Bourdonnais to defy Dupleix in giving back Madras to the English East India Company ?
1. To assert his independence by not submitting to Dupleix’s authority.
2. Possibly received a private gift from the English East India Company.
3. La Bourdonnais had already pledged his word for a ransom from the English in lieu of giving back Madras.
4. La Bourdonnais had been ordered to leave the Coast and return back to Mauritius by the French home government.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : La Bourdonnais had been ordered to leave the Coast and return back to Mauritius by the French home government.

• The first Carnatic War occurred in India in the backdrop of a France - England hostility over Austria, this hostility played out in the colonies as well and can be seen on the Coromandel coast over Madras, while the French had captured Madras from the English general Peyton, The Nawab of Arcot intervened and asked the French and the English to not engage in hostilities and carry out trading activities only, meanwhile the French general La Bourdonnais had secretly negotiated a handsome bribe with the English East India Company in lieu of Madras which the Dupleix his co – French general was against. La Bourdonnais after a furious argument with Dupleix had left for Achin.
• Hence it’s quite plausible to argue that La Bourdonnais asserted his independence and sought personal benefits from the English East India Company in lieu of Madras.
• Hence option D is the correct answer.