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Question

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. 
1. The British would be responsible for protecting their ally from external and internal threats to their power. 
2. In the territory of the ally a British armed contingent would be stationed and ally would provide resources for their maintenance. 
3. The ally would enter into agreements, with other rulers or engage in warfare only with the permission of the British. 
4. Ally may walk away with the alliance anytime at the disagreement. 
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is
1, 2 and 3 only

Understanding Subsidiary Alliance Conditions

The question asks about the conditions of the Subsidiary Alliance system, introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798. Let's analyze each stated condition:

Analysis of Alliance Terms

  • Condition 1: British Protection
    The British committed to protecting the allied Indian state from external invasions and internal rebellions. This was a primary offer to entice rulers into the alliance.
  • Condition 2: British Troops & Maintenance
    A key requirement was stationing a British armed contingent within the ally's territory. The Indian ruler had to bear the cost of maintaining this force.
  • Condition 3: Foreign Policy Control
    The allied state could not conduct independent foreign relations. Engaging in wars or making treaties with other rulers required the prior permission of the British. This severely limited the ally's sovereignty.
  • Condition 4: Right to Withdraw
    The statement suggests an ally could leave the alliance anytime due to disagreement. This is incorrect. The Subsidiary Alliance was designed to be binding and increase British influence, not offer an easy exit for the Indian states. Once accepted, the terms were largely fixed.

Conclusion on Correct Conditions

Based on the analysis, conditions 1, 2, and 3 accurately represent the terms of the Subsidiary Alliance. Condition 4 is not a feature of this system.

Therefore, the correct option includes points 1, 2, and 3 only.

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Important Questions from India under East India Company’s Rule

  1. Which Act was formulated to end the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India? 

  2. Match List I with List II.
    LIST ILIST II
    A. Setting up Supreme Court at Calcutta by East India CompanyI. 1793
    B. Cornwalis code enactedII. 1774
    C. Railway line between Bombay and ThaneIII. 1881
    D. Madras HarbourIV. 1853
    Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
  3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Permanent Settlement?
  4. Which of the following is / are characteristic(s) of the Ryotwari system?
    1. It was the brainchild of Thomas Munro
    2. It was meant to reduce intermediaries
    3. Cultivating peasants were gradually impoverished by the system
    4. It was introduced in parts of Madras and Bengal Presidency
    Select the correct answer using the code given below :
  5. Who was the Nawab of Bengal during the Battle of Plassey?
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