Which one among the following was a reason for which the French could not succeed in India in the 18th Century ?

The primary reason for the French failure in 18th-century India was the structural nature of the French East India Company. Unlike the British East India Company, which was a private commercial venture, the French company was created, financed, and strictly controlled by the French State. This heavy dependence on the French government meant that the company lacked commercial autonomy and was subject to the shifting political priorities of the French monarchy. While Governor Dupleix attempted to expand French influence through alliances with Indian rulers like Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jang [3], he received little support from the government or the company's higher authorities. The government's decision to recall Dupleix at a critical juncture further weakened their position [3]. Ultimately, the French company's inability to function as an independent commercial entity, combined with British naval superiority and stable financial backing, led to their defeat.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 16: The Coming of the Europeans > The Second Carnatic War: 1749-1754 > p. 256
2. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 16: The Coming of the Europeans > Clive in the Second Carnatic War > p. 257