Question

Throw light on the features of Subsidiary Alliance.

Hint:

To remember the Subsidiary Alliance, think of it as a "protection racket". The Indian ruler paid for British troops, gave up foreign policy control, and hosted a British Resident in exchange for "protection," which ultimately led to a loss of independence.

Answer 1

The Subsidiary Alliance was a diplomatic and military strategy developed by Lord Wellesley, the British Governor-General of India, in the late 18th century (1798). This policy was primarily aimed at increasing British influence and expanding British control over Indian states. It was a key tool used by the British East India Company to maintain power in India. The main features of the Subsidiary Alliance are as follows:

• Maintenance of British Troops: Under the Subsidiary Alliance, the Indian rulers were required to maintain a British army at their own expense. This army was placed at the disposal of the British, and the Indian rulers had to pay for the costs of the British troops stationed within their territory. This allowed the British to have a military presence without direct expenditure.
• Non-Interference in British Affairs: Indian rulers who accepted the Subsidiary Alliance were prohibited from entering into any foreign alliances or making decisions that would conflict with British interests. This policy restricted the autonomy of the Indian states and tied them to the British sphere of influence.
• Deployment of British Residents: As part of the alliance, the Indian rulers were required to allow the British to station a resident (a British official) in their court. The resident acted as a British agent and was tasked with ensuring that the ruler adhered to the terms of the Subsidiary Alliance. The presence of a resident gave the British direct influence in the internal politics of the state.
• Financial Burden on Indian States: The policy imposed a significant financial burden on the Indian rulers. The rulers had to maintain the British troops, pay the British officers, and provide other military supplies, which drained their resources. This was a significant disadvantage for the Indian states, many of which were already weakened by internal conflicts and external threats.
• Gradual Loss of Sovereignty: The Subsidiary Alliance led to the gradual loss of sovereignty for the Indian rulers. By making them financially dependent on the British and tying them into British military and political decisions, the policy effectively reduced the independence of the Indian states. Over time, the British could exert control over these rulers without directly annexing their territories.

Conclusion:

The Subsidiary Alliance was a clever diplomatic strategy employed by the British to expand their influence in India. It weakened the Indian rulers by making them dependent on the British for military support, restricting their foreign policy, and increasing their financial obligations. The policy helped the British East India Company to maintain control over Indian states while limiting their autonomy, eventually leading to British dominance in India.