Q. Who was the person behind conversion of East India Company from a trading company into a regional power?
(a) Lord Warren Hastings
(b) Lord Clive
(c) Lord Dalhousie
(d) Lord Wellesley
Ans: (b) Lord Clive
Explanation: The person behind the conversion of the East India Company from a trading company into a regional power was option (b) Lord Clive. Robert Clive, also known as Lord Clive, was a British military officer and administrator who played a pivotal role in establishing British control in India. He is often credited with laying the foundation for British colonial rule in India. Clive’s military victories, particularly the Battle of Plassey in 1757, gave the British East India Company control over large parts of Bengal, which significantly expanded its influence and transformed it into a political and regional power. Under Clive’s leadership, the East India Company’s operations evolved from purely commercial endeavors to include military and administrative pursuits, marking a significant shift in its role and impact in India.