Which of the following was imposed on Awadh in 1801, making the Nawab increasingly dependent on the British to maintain law and order within the kingdom?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Subsidiary Alliance
Option (1) Doctrine of Lapse — Incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse let the British take over a state whose ruler died without a natural male heir. It was a rule of annexation, and it was not imposed on Awadh in 1801.
Option (2) Subsidiary Alliance — Correct. Under the Subsidiary Alliance, a ruler had to disband his own army and keep British troops in his state. Awadh got it in 1801, so the Nawab had to depend on the British for law and order inside his kingdom.
Option (3) Regulating Act — Incorrect. The Regulating Act of 1773 was a law of the British Parliament to control the East India Company. It was passed in Britain, and it made no treaty terms with the Nawab of Awadh.
Option (4) Permanent Settlement — Incorrect. The Permanent Settlement (1793) fixed the land revenue that the zamindars of Bengal had to pay. It was a revenue system and did nothing to a ruler's army.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 “A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day” |