Q. With reference to the British policy toward Indian states during the period of “Subordinate Isolation” (1813–1857), which of the following statements is correct?

[A] The British followed a policy of complete non-interference, treating Indian rulers as equal sovereign partners.

[B] Indian states were forced to act as subordinate allies, surrendering their external sovereignty while being physically isolated from each other.

[C] It was a period where the British sought to merge all Indian states into a single unified federal structure under the Mughal Emperor.

[D] The policy encouraged Indian states to form their own regional confederacies to manage local law and order.

Answer: B
Notes:

Explanation:

Statement: Correct. This era, dominated by Hastings and Dalhousie, saw the British establish themselves as the undisputed Paramount Power. States were “isolated” because they were forbidden from having any contact with each other, and “subordinate” because they had to acknowledge British supremacy in all external and significant internal matters.

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