Under ______ (Governor General from 1813 to 1823) a new policy of “paramountcy” was initiated. Now the Company claimed that its authority was paramount or supreme, hence its power was greater than that of Indian states.

Lord Hastings

The correct answer is Option 3- Lord Hastings

Lord Hastings, who was the Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823, introduced the policy of paramountcy. This policy claimed the supremacy of British law and governance in all colonies, no matter their level of development.

The policy of paramountcy was a continuation of the British East India Company's policy of territorial expansion. However, it was under Hastings that the policy became more explicit and systematic. Hastings argued that the British had a duty to protect and civilize the Indian people, and that this could only be done by establishing British supremacy.

The policy of paramountcy had a profound impact on India. It led to the annexation of many Indian princely states, and the establishment of direct British rule over much of the country. The policy also led to the centralization of power in the hands of the Governor-General, and the decline of the power of the Indian rulers.