The correct answer is Joseph Francois Dupleix. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • The appointment of Joseph Francois Dupleix as the Governor of the French East India Company in 1742 AD saw the beginning of the Anglo-French Conflict in India. • The First Carnatic War was an extension of the Anglo-French War in Europe which was caused by the Austrian War of Succession. • The Battle of St. Thome (in Madras), which took place between the French and the soldiers of Anwar-ud-din, the Nawab of Carnatic, to whom the English made an aid request, is the turning point in the First Carnatic War. • The First Carnatic War ended in 1748 when the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle was signed bringing the Austrian War of Succession to a conclusion. • Under the terms of this treaty, Madras was handed back to the English, and the French, in turn, got their territories in North America. • The Anglo-French rivalry in India served as the foundation for the Second Carnatic War. • Nizam-ul-Mulk, the semi-independent Nawab of Hyderabad and the Mughal administrator of the Deccan, passed away in 1748. • His position was up for grabs, and the British and French were quickly drawn into the conflict between the contenders. • Dupleix, the French governor sought to increase his power and French political influence in southern India by interfering in local dynastic disputes to defeat the English. • The resulting Second Carnatic War lasted from 1749 until 1754 and saw the British strengthen their position in southern India. Related Concepts: • Robert Clive: • The Bengal Presidency's first British governor was Robert Clive. • Clive has been credited for laying the foundation of the British East India Company rule in Bengal. • Anwar-ud-din: • He was the 1st Nawab of Arcot. • He was an important figure during the first two Carnatic Wars. • He was also Subedar of Thatta from 1721-1733. • Nizam-ul-Mulk: • He was the 1st Nizam of Hyderabad.