Under _____ a new policy of “paramountcy” was initiated. In this policy the Company claimed that its authority was paramount or supreme, hence its power was greater than that of Indian states.

Under Governor-General Lord Hastings (1813 to 1823), a new policy of "paramountcy" was initiated. The British East India Company claimed that its authority was paramount or supreme, justifying the annexation or threat of annexation of any Indian state to protect its imperial interests.