Q. With reference to the Subsidiary Alliance system introduced by Lord Wellesley, consider the following statements:
1.The protected state was required to surrender its external sovereignty, meaning it could not declare war or negotiate with any other state without British consent.
2.The British promised to defend the state against all internal and external enemies, provided the state maintained a permanent British force at its own expense.
3.A British Resident was stationed at the court, and the Company solemnly promised not to interfere in the internal administration of the protected state.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. This was a primary feature. The state effectively became a protectorate, losing the right to independent diplomacy or warfare.
Statement 2: Correct. The state had to pay for a “Subsidiary Force.” If the state failed to make payments, a portion of its territory was annexed in lieu of the subsidy.
Statement 3: Correct. While the British promised non-interference in internal affairs, this was rarely followed. The Resident became the real power behind the throne, frequently meddling in the state’s domestic governance.
