Question

Describe the different strategies used by the British for expansion in India.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain how diplomatic policies were introduced and implemented for territorial expansion.
• Describe the different types of expansionist policies.
• Explain how military power was used for territorial expansion.

Solution:

• Expansion through diplomatic policies: The company introduced policies like subsidiary alliance and doctrine of lapse to establish its rule diplomatically.
  • Subsidiary Alliance: Under this policy the Indian king had to dissolve his military forces and had to pay for ‘subsidiary forces’ provided by the British.
  • In case if the king fails to make the payment a part of territory was taken by the British as a penalty.
  • Doctrine of Lapse: Under this policy, it was declared that if an Indian king dies without a male heir, the territory will directly fall under the company’s control.
• Expansion using force: If the company was unable to gain territory through diplomatic tactics, the company used to resort to force using its military strength.