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94 THE RISE OF THE FRENCH POWER IN INDIA. chap. M. Dupleix arrived at Pondichery in the month of , October, 1741, and took at once the oaths as Governor- 1741. General, at the same time that he caused himself to be acknowledged as the Mughal's Nawwab, and Mangabdar of 4,500 horse, in succession to his predecessor. The records of the six years' administration of M. Dumas show with sufficient clearness that he was no unworthy successor to Francis Martin. His adminis- tration was signalised by the display of tact, prudence, courage, and skill. He understood the native character thoroughly. So well did he make use of that know- ledge that though all his allies were beaten, he managed to reap advantage, in the most legitimate manner, from their misfortunes. So adroit was his conduct that the territory which he coveted he gained without drawing the sword ; he even accepted it as a favour to his native friends, instead of asking for it as a benefit to himself. Under his rule the dominions of the French on the Koromandel coast increased very greatly in extent and value, whilst the prestige of the French power attained in the eyes of the natives, a height which, even to us who look back at it, appears perfectly astounding. It seemed, indeed, when Dumas left Pondichery, that it would be only necessary for his successor to continue the same cautious and prudent, yet daring and acquisi- tive policy, to make Pondichery the most powerful and important city in Southern India. That successor, as we have seen, was Dupleix. We left him last engaged in restoring the credit and fortunes of Chandranagar. This he had succeeded in accomplishing beyond his most sanguine expectations. It could not be expected that, occupying as he had the position of Intendant or Director-General of Chand- ranagar, nominally under the orders of the Governor and Superior Council of Pondichery, yet practically irresponsible — daily and hourly forced, in fact, to act upon his own responsibility — he should not sometimes