Modern History
2018
British Governor Generals
East India Company

Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?

D.To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States
B.To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger
A.To maintain a large standing army at other’s expense
C.To secure a fixed income for the Company

Correct Answer: Option C

The Subsidiary Alliance, introduced by Lord Wellesley, aimed to establish British paramountcy over Indian states.

Key objectives included:

  • Maintaining a large standing army at the expense of Indian rulers.
  • Safeguarding British interests in India from Napoleonic threats and French influence, especially after the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
  • Placing the British at the head of a great Indian confederacy.

The alliance required Indian rulers to:

  • Accept British forces within their territories.
  • Pay for the maintenance of these troops (subsidy).

The primary aim was not to secure a fixed income for the Company, although the subsidies contributed to the Company's resources. The main goal was political control and military dominance.

Hence, option C does not apply to the Subsidiary Alliance.

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