Question

Which one of the following was a key feature of the ‘Subsidiary Alliance’ introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798?

• A. Free Trade Policy brought by British
• B. Maintenance of native army by British
• C. Imposition of Western Customs by British
• D. Protection of native territory by British

Hint:

The Subsidiary Alliance meant British troops would “protect” Indian states—but at the cost of their independence and treasury. Associate it with Lord Wellesley and political control.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The Subsidiary Alliance was a diplomatic strategy introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798 to bring Indian princely states under British control without direct annexation.
A key feature of this alliance was that the British would station their troops in the territory of the allied Indian state to protect it from external threats and internal disturbances. In return, the ruler had to pay for the maintenance of these British troops and could not enter into alliances or wars without British permission.
This arrangement significantly curtailed the sovereignty of Indian rulers and expanded British political influence. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Protection of native territory by British, as that was the promise used to justify the presence of British forces.