Lord Hastings initiated the ______ where the East India Company claimed that its authority was supreme and hence its power was greater than that of Indian states.

Policy of ‘Paramountcy’

The correct answer is Option 2- Policy of ‘Paramountcy’

Lord Hastings initiated the Policy of Paramountcy, where the East India Company claimed that its authority was supreme and hence its power was greater than that of Indian states.

The Policy of Paramountcy was a major change in the British government's policy towards India. Prior to this policy, the British had maintained a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Indian states. However, the Policy of Paramountcy gave the British the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Indian states if they deemed it necessary.

The British justified the Policy of Paramountcy by claiming that it was necessary to maintain peace and stability in India. They also claimed that it was necessary to protect the interests of British citizens in India.

The Policy of Paramountcy had a profound impact on the Indian independence movement. It made it more difficult for Indian states to resist British rule. It also led to the annexation of several Indian states by the British.

The Policy of Paramountcy was finally abolished in 1947, when India gained independence from the British.