Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option: Assertion (A) : The Subsidiary Alliance system introduced by Lord Wellesley, significantly weakened the Indian Princely States. Reason (R) : Indian rulers lost their military autonomy under the Subsidiary Alliance.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

The Subsidiary Alliance was a crucial element of British imperial strategy, as it ensured the subjugation of Indian rulers by limiting their military and diplomatic powers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Assertion (A) is correct, as Lord Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance system weakened the Indian Princely States by placing them under British protection while limiting their autonomy. It effectively reduced their ability to govern independently.
The Reason (R) is also correct, as the system caused Indian rulers to lose their military autonomy by forcing them to maintain British troops in their courts and pay for their upkeep. This led to the further consolidation of British control over India. Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains the consequences of the Subsidiary Alliance system introduced in the context of Assertion (A).