OPSC OAS 2022 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 8
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2022 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Subsidiary Alliance in British India.
- The Indian ruler signing the alliance would agree to the posting of a British Resident.
- The Indian ruler could employ any European in his state.
- The Indian ruler would cede a part of his territory for payment of subsidy.
- Expenses of the British army in the state to be shared with the Company.
Which of the following are correct?
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (D) Only 1 and 3
- Under the Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley, the Indian ruler was required to accept the posting of a British Resident at his court, who effectively monitored and controlled the state’s external affairs and relations with other powers.
- The alliance specifically prohibited rulers from employing Europeans of any nationality without British permission, preventing independent foreign relationships.
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- If the Indian ruler could not afford to pay cash for the maintenance of the British subsidiary force stationed in his territory, he was required to cede a portion of his territory to the East India Company as payment. This led to significant territorial acquisitions by the British.
- The entire cost of maintaining British forces was to be borne by the Indian state alone, not shared with the Company. This financial burden often led states into debt and increased dependence on British authority.
