Question

Which governor general introduced the policy of Subsidiary Alliance, under which the Indian ruler agreed to keep British forces in his territory?
1. Lord Wellesley
2. Lord Cornwallis
3. Lord William Bentick
4. Lord Mayo

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Lord Wellesley

The correct answer is Lord Wellesley.

• The doctrine of subsidiary alliance was introduced by Lord Wellesley.
  • Under the subsidiary alliance system, the ruler of the allying Indian State was compelled to accept the permanent stationing of a British force within his territory and to pay a subsidy for its maintenance.

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•  The term "Subsidiary Alliance" was introduced by French Governor Dupleix and was firstly used by Lord Wellesley who effectively institutionalized the policy of “non-intervention” which made the Nawab and Nizams subsidiary allies by signing almost 100 such treaties.
• 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.