Question

UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

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

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

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3: To secure a fixed income for the Company

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • The Subsidiary Alliance System was a “Non-Intervention Policy” used by Lord Wellesley who was the Governor-General of India (1798-1805) to establish the British paramountcy over the Indian states and to address the concerns of Napoleonic invasion over India.

  • Key points of the Subsidiary Alliance are as follows:
    • The allies of the Indian state’s rulers were compelled to accept the permanent garrison of the British Army within their territories and to pay a subsidy for its maintenance.
    • The Indian ruler could not employ any European in their service without prior approval of the British.
    • They could not negotiate with any other Indian rulers without consulting the Governor-General.

Therefore, option (3) is the answer.

Subject: History | Advent of Europeans in India

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