Question

explain the system of subsidiary alliance

Answer 1

Subsidiary Alliance is a system of ruling a nation that is under the rule of king. An Indian ruler entering into a subsidiary alliance with the British had to accept British forces in his territory and also agreed to pay for their maintenance.

Answer 2

After the battle of Plassey in 1757, the battle of Buxar in 1764 and gaining the Diwani of Bengal, the company began to expand its rule in many parts of India. For that it had devised several plans, one among them was the “Subsidiary Alliance”. Subsidiary Alliance system was means used by the Company to extend its control over the Indian states.

According to the terms of this alliance -

The East India Company behaved as a guardian of the State.

The State appointed an English Resident in its court, to check the activities of the king.

Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces.

The State could not give shelter to any other European other than English in its army.

The Indian states entering into subsidiary alliance were protected by the Company’s forces but had to pay for the maintenance of the British troops. The Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. If the Indian rulers failed to make payments to the British, part of their kingdom was taken away as penalty.