Joseph François Dupleix

Born Jan. 1, 1697, in Landrécies: died Nov. 10, 1763, in Paris. French colonial administrator in India.

From 1730 to 1741, Dupleix was governor of Chanderna-gore; from 1741 to 1754, of Pondichéry and all French possessions in India. Carrying out plans for the creation of a French colonial empire in India, he interfered in the struggles for the thrones of the Carnatic and Hyderabad. Supporting the French puppets in opposition to the English, he helped establish French influence in southern India. In 1746 his armies conquered Madras, the center of the British East India Company in India. However, the lack of funds and the inadequate support of the French government led to the failure of Dupleix’ plans. In 1754, after the conclusion of peace with the British East India Company, he was recalled to France.