Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2018 · Modern History and the Freedom Struggle · Question 75

Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?

  1. To maintain a large standing army at other's expense
  2. To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger
  3. To secure a fixed income for the Company
  4. To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

Answer

To secure a fixed income for the Company

  • (a) Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance required Indian states to maintain British troops at their own cost. Applies — it helped the Company keep a large army at others’ expense.
  • (b) One major objective was to prevent French/Napoleonic influence in India. Applies — this was part of Wellesley’s strategic policy.
  • (c) The system was not mainly designed to secure a fixed income for the Company; payments could be in cash or territory, and the core aim was political-military control. Does not apply.
  • (d) The alliance reduced Indian states to dependent allies under British control. Applies — it was a key instrument for establishing British paramountcy.

Correct answer: (c)

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