Who among the following was the first European to initiate the policy of taking part in the quarrels of Indian princes with a view to acquire territories?

1. The question asks which European first initiated the policy of intervening in the quarrels of Indian princes to acquire territories. 2. Robert Clive (British) was instrumental in establishing British political dominance, notably after the Battle of Plassey (1757), and heavily involved in Indian political affairs, but the policy was initiated earlier by the French. 3. Joseph François Dupleix (French Governor-General in India from 1742) is credited with being the pioneer of this policy. He intervened extensively in the succession disputes in Carnatic and Hyderabad, supporting rival claimants with French troops in exchange for territories and influence, aiming to build a French empire in India. 4. Afonso de Albuquerque (Portuguese) established Portuguese power in the early 16th century by capturing key coastal territories (like Goa), but his focus was more on maritime control and forts rather than large-scale territorial acquisition through intervention in princely quarrels in the manner Dupleix later did. 5. Warren Hastings (British Governor-General) consolidated British power but followed the policy rather than initiating it.