The "Subsidiary Alliance" system, pioneered by Lord Wellesley, had a significant impact on the political map of India.
What was a primary consequence for the Indian states that entered into this alliance?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: They were effectively brought under British political influence and control.
Explanation:
The "Subsidiary Alliance" system, introduced by Lord Wellesley (1798–1805), was a clever political instrument for the expansion of the British Empire. Indian states that accepted this treaty were required to disband their own independent armies and, in their place, station a contingent of the British Army within their territory the cost of which had to be borne by the state itself.
The primary consequence of this was that Indian rulers lost their independent foreign policy and military autonomy. Without British permission, they could neither wage war against nor enter into a treaty with any other state. A British 'Resident' was stationed in their court, who would interfere in the internal affairs of the state. Thus, while the states remained independent on paper, in practice, they became mere 'protected states' subject to British authority. The Nizam of Hyderabad (1798) was the first ruler to accept this treaty.
Additional Points:
Sequence: Hyderabad (1798), Mysore (1799), Tanjore (1799), Awadh (1801), the Peshwa (1802), and Bhonsle (1803) signed this treaty.
Objective: To curtail French influence and to maintain a massive British army at the expense of the Indian states.
Impact: It economically weakened the Indian states, as the cost of maintaining the army was exorbitant.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: Which was the first state to accept the Subsidiary Alliance?
Answer: Hyderabad (1798).
Question: Who is considered the architect (father) of the Subsidiary Alliance system?
Answer: It was originally pioneered by the French Governor Dupleix, but it was implemented on a comprehensive scale by Lord Wellesley.