Name the Governor-General under whom a new policy of 'paramountcy' was initiated.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Lord Hastings.

Explanation:
Lord Hastings introduced the policy of paramountcy during his tenure as Governor-General of India. This policy established British dominance over all other powers in India, allowing the British to intervene in the affairs of Indian states.

Information Booster:

• Paramountcy: The doctrine that asserted British authority as the supreme power over Indian states.
• Lord Hastings: Served as Governor-General from 1813 to 1823 and played a crucial role in expanding British control.
• This policy led to further British interventions, paving the way for colonial expansion in India.

Additional Information:

• Lord Wellesley: Introduced the Subsidiary Alliance, a different strategy to control Indian states.
• Lord Cornwallis: Known for the Permanent Settlement and administrative reforms, not for paramountcy.
• Lord Dalhousie: Implemented the Doctrine of Lapse, which annexed princely states without a direct heir but was separate from paramountcy.