The correct answer to the question "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?" is Option 2: Dupleix.

Robert Clive (Option 1) was a British officer who played a significant role in the British East India Company`s military and political dominance in India, particularly during the Battle of Plassey in 1757. However, he did not initiate the policy of taking part in the quarrels of Indian princes with the aim of acquiring territories.

Albuquerque (Option 3) refers to Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese nobleman and military strategist who played a crucial role in establishing Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century. However, he primarily focused on securing Portuguese trade routes and expanding their commercial influence rather than directly involving himself in Indian princes` quarrels to acquire territories.

Warren Hastings (Option 4) was the first Governor-General of Bengal and a key figure in the British East India Company`s administration in India during the late 18th century. While Hastings implemented various policies and reforms, he did not specifically initiate the policy of involving himself in Indian princes` quarrels for territorial acquisition.

The correct answer, Dupleix (Option 2), refers to Joseph François Dupleix, a French governor-general of French India during the mid-18th century. Dupleix was a skilled diplomat and military strategist who actively engaged in the political affairs of Indian princes and sought to expand French influence and acquire territories in India. He formed alliances with various Indian rulers, supporting them militarily and politically in their conflicts with rival princes, with the ultimate goal of establishing French dominance in the region. Dupleix`s actions marked a significant departure from previous European approaches in India and laid the foundation for the French East India Company`s aggressive territorial expansion policies.

Dupleix`s involvement in Indian princes` quarrels and his pursuit of territorial gains led to intense competition and conflicts with the British East India Company, ultimately culminating in the Carnatic Wars between the French and British forces. While Dupleix achieved initial successes, including capturing several strategic locations, his ambitious plans were eventually thwarted by a combination of factors, including British military victories, financial difficulties, and political setbacks.

In summary, Dupleix, as the French governor-general of French India, was the first European to initiate the policy of involving himself in the quarrels of Indian princes with the aim of acquiring territories. His actions set the stage for subsequent European colonial competition in India and shaped the dynamics of European colonialism on the subcontinent.