Question

Answer the following question briefly:

With reference to the Subsidiary Alliance System perfected by Lord Wellesley, answer the following:

Why did Indian rulers sign the Subsidiary Alliance? State two important military terms and conditions imposed on the Indian rulers by this treaty.

Answer 1

Indian ruler whose security was threatened was encouraged to seek help from and enter into an alliance with the British, who promised to protect the ruler from external attacks and internal revolts. The Indian rulers had to accept certain terms and condition in return for British protection under the Subsidiary Alliance like:

1.  British troops would be permanently placed in the territory of the Subsidiary state.
2. The ruler would have to pay for the maintenance of the troops.
3.  He could not employ any Europeans in his service or dismiss those who were already there.
4. He could not form an alliance with any other power or declare war against any power without the permission of the British.
5. He would acknowledge the British Company as the paramount power.