In _________, a Subsidiary Alliance system was imposed on Awadh by the British.

The correct answer is 1801.

Key Points

• The Subsidiary Alliance had been imposed on Awadh in 1801.
• By the terms of the Alliance,  the Nawab had to disband its military force and allow the British to position its troops within the kingdom and act in accordance with the advice of the British Resident who was now to be attached to the court.
• The Nawab of Awadh became increasingly dependent on the British to maintain law and order in the kingdom.
• Subsidiary Alliance was a system devised by Lord Wellesley in 1798.
•  Thus, we can say that the Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on Awadh in 1801.

• The Subsidiary Alliance was a policy adopted by the British East India Company in India during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• It was a political and military strategy that allowed the British to exert control over the Indian princely states without directly annexing them.
• Under the Subsidiary Alliance system, the British would offer protection and support to a princely state in exchange for specific privileges and control.
• The princely state was required to accept a British subsidiary force stationed within its territory.
• This force was responsible for the defence of the state, but it also served as a means of British influence and control.
• In addition to hosting the subsidiary force, the princely state had to enter into a treaty with the British East India Company.
• The terms of the treaty often included provisions such as:
• Non-interference:
  • ​The princely state was not allowed to form alliances with other Indian rulers or foreign powers without the consent of the British.
• Acceptance of a British Resident:
  • ​A British official called the Resident would be stationed at the court of the princely state.
  • The Resident served as an advisor to the ruler and oversaw the state's affairs.
  • This gave the British a direct role in the internal administration of the princely state.
• Surrender of control over foreign affairs:
  • ​The princely state had to surrender its control over matters related to foreign policy to the British.
  • The British would represent the princely state in any dealings with other powers.
• Financial obligations:
  • ​The princely state was required to pay for the maintenance of the subsidiary force and other expenses incurred by the British.
  • This often led to a heavy financial burden on the princely states, as they had to contribute a significant portion of their revenue to the British.