Understanding the Subsidiary Alliance System in Awadh

The question asks about the specific year when the Subsidiary Alliance system was enforced upon the state of Awadh by the British East India Company. The Subsidiary Alliance was a key policy used by the British to expand their control over Indian states without direct military conquest in every instance.

What was the Subsidiary Alliance?

The Subsidiary Alliance system was largely devised by Lord Wellesley, who was the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805. It was a treaty between the British East India Company and Indian princely states. Under this system, the Indian ruler who accepted the alliance had to agree to several conditions:

• The ruler had to disband their own army.
• A British force would be stationed within the state's territory.
• The state had to pay for the maintenance of this British force. If they failed to pay, a portion of their territory would be ceded to the British.
• The ruler had to accept a British Resident at their court, who would oversee the state's affairs and virtually control its foreign policy.
• The ruler could not enter into any alliances or external relations without the Company's permission.

In essence, accepting the Subsidiary Alliance meant the Indian state lost its sovereignty and became dependent on the British.

Imposition of Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh

Awadh (also known as Oudh) was a significant and wealthy state. The British had long sought greater control over it for strategic and economic reasons. The Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on Awadh in the year 1801.

At that time, the Nawab of Awadh was Saadat Ali Khan II. Under the terms of the treaty signed in 1801, the Nawab was compelled to cede about half of his territory to the British, including valuable areas like Rohilkhand and the Doab region. This cession of territory was ostensibly to pay for the British troops stationed in his state under the alliance. The Nawab also agreed to reduce his own military forces significantly and accept the presence of the British Resident.

The imposition of the Subsidiary Alliance in 1801 severely limited the Nawab's authority and brought Awadh firmly under British influence, although it was not formally annexed until 1856.

Key Points about Awadh and the Subsidiary Alliance

• The Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on Awadh in 1801.
• Lord Wellesley was the Governor-General responsible for this policy.
• The Nawab at the time was Saadat Ali Khan II.
• Awadh had to cede significant territory to the British to pay for the 'subsidiary forces'.
• The alliance led to the loss of sovereignty for Awadh and increased British control.

Comparing the options provided:

Let's look at the given options in relation to the imposition of the Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh:

• 1828: This date is later than when the alliance was imposed on Awadh.
• 1801: Historical records confirm that the Subsidiary Alliance treaty with Awadh was concluded in this year.
• 1814: This date is also after the alliance was imposed on Awadh.
• 1809: This date is also after the alliance was imposed on Awadh.

Based on historical facts regarding the Subsidiary Alliance and its application to Awadh, the year 1801 is correct.

Revision Table: Awadh and Subsidiary Alliance

Additional Information: British Policy in Awadh

The relationship between the British and Awadh evolved over time. Before the Subsidiary Alliance, Awadh had already become dependent on the British after the Battle of Buxar (1764). The Treaty of Allahabad (1765) placed Awadh in a vulnerable position, and the British gradually increased their interference and control.

The Subsidiary Alliance of 1801 was a major step towards complete control. Despite being a 'protected' state under the alliance, Awadh faced increasing demands and pressure from the British Resident. The constant pressure regarding alleged misgovernance ultimately led to the annexation of Awadh by Lord Dalhousie in 1856, just before the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, in which the people of Awadh played a significant role.

The Subsidiary Alliance system was a clever strategy that allowed the British to maintain large armies at the expense of Indian states, isolate rulers, and progressively take over territories, contributing significantly to the expansion of the British Empire in India.