Question

According to the subsidiary alliance imposed by the East India Company, which of the following statements is/are true?

• A. The rulers of provinces were not allowed to maintain their own army.
• B. The rulers of provinces were not allowed to sign treaties with other rulers.
• C. The rulers of provinces were forced to pay for the maintenance of British subsidiary forces in the territory of the province.
• D. A province could be taken away by the British if the ruler of that province died without a male heir.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The rulers of provinces were forced to pay for the maintenance of British subsidiary forces in the territory of the province.

The East India Company capitalised upon its victory at Buxar by enforcing the “subsidiary alliance”. This meant that the rulers were no longer permitted to keep their military force or make a treaty with any of the other leaders. Moreover, the rulers were forced to pay for the maintenance of British subsidiary forces in their territory.