Choose the incorrect statements regarding the ‘Subsidiary Alliance System’.

(1) Subsidiary Alliance was the strategy of the British to acquire more territories in India.
(2) Under this system, the British would be responsible for the internal and external protection of Indian rulers.
(3) Nawabs and local rulers were allowed to keep their own army as well.
(4) Nawabs were dependent on the British Army for their protection.

3

The correct answer is Option 3 - 3

Given statements regarding ‘Subsidiary Alliance System’:

(1) Subsidiary Alliance was the strategy of the British to acquire more territories in India. (CORRECT)
(2) Under this system, the British would be responsible for the internal and external protection of Indian rulers. (CORRECT)
(3) Nawabs and local rulers were allowed to keep their own army as well. (INCORRECT)
(4) Nawabs were dependent on the British Army for their protection.  (CORRECT)

Subsidiary Alliance:

Subsidiary Alliance was a system devised by Lord Wellesley in 1798. All those who entered into such an alliance with the British had to accept certain terms and conditions:

(a) The British would be responsible for protecting their ally from external and internal threats to their power.
(b) In the territory of the ally, a British armed contingent would be stationed.
(c) The ally would have to provide the resources for maintaining this contingent.
(d) The ally could enter into agreements with other rulers or engage in warfare only with the permission of the British.

In 1851 Governor General Lord Dalhousie described the kingdom of Awadh as “a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day”. Five years later, in 1856, the kingdom was formally annexed to the British Empire. The conquest happened in stages. The Subsidiary Alliance had been imposed on Awadh in 1801. By the terms of this alliance the Nawab had to disband his military force, allow the British to position their troops within the kingdom, and act in accordance with the advice of the British Resident who was now to be attached to the court. Deprived of his armed forces, the Nawab became increasingly dependent on the British to maintain law and order within the kingdom. He could no longer assert control over the rebellious chiefs and taluqdars. In the meantime the British became increasingly interested in acquiring the territory of Awadh.