Page:Dupleix and the Struggle for India by the European Nations.djvu/35

28 in 1735, that able man was succeeded by a Governor in no respect his inferior, probably, indeed, even more qualified than he was to deal with the state of civil war then about to supervene throughout the length and breadth of the Karnátik. This was M. Benoit Dumas.

M. Dumas had entered the service of the Company founded by Colbert shortly before its extinction, in 1713. He was then seventeen. At Pondichery, whither he proceeded immediately, he gave proofs of rare capacity, and, after a stay there of nearly eight years, he was transferred to the Isle of France and Bourbon to administer affairs in those islands. He held that office till 1735, when he was nominated to succeed Lenoir at Pondichery. His character was that of a prudent man, a lover of peace, but resolute, jealous of the honour and interests of France, yet willing to act only when circumstances should indicate that such action would be beneficial.

Dumas had not been many months in India before circumstances arose which required the decision of a man of action. The Nuwábs of the Karnátik had, since the invasion of Sívájí, previously referred to, cultivated friendship with the rulers of Pondichery. The actual Nuwáb, at the time of the arrival of M. Dumas, Dost Alí by name, had displayed more than an ordinary desire to cultivate intimate relations with the new Governor. Dumas had not been many months at his post before it occurred to him that he might utilise this friendship to obtain some