Question

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

• A. The Indian rulers were not allowed to maintain their own army.
• B. The Indian rulers were not free to sign treaties with other rulers.
• C. The Indian rulers had to pay for the maintenance of British subsidiary forces in their territory.
• 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 Indian rulers had to pay for the maintenance of British subsidiary forces in their territory.

Lord Wellesley introduced the policy of Subsidiary Alliance in 1798. Under this policy, the Indian rulers were no longer permitted to keep their military force. They could not enter into any agreements with other rulers or foreign powers without the permission of the Governor-General. Moreover, the rulers were forced to pay for the maintenance of British subsidiary forces in their territory.