UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I

Question 75: History and Culture

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

aTo maintain a large standing army at other’s expense

bTo keep India safe from Napoleonic danger

cTo secure a fixed income for the Company

dTo establish British paramountcy over the Indian States

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Wellesley's Subsidiary Alliance made an Indian ruler accept a British force at his own expense, take a British Resident, surrender control of his foreign affairs and shut out other European, chiefly French, influence. Its aims were to counter the French threat, create British paramountcy and maintain a large army at others' cost. UPSC treats the fixed-income aim as the one that does not apply, since the subsidy was paid for the troops rather than meant as a fixed income for the Company.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Applies: the ruler paid for the British force.
(b) Applies: the alliance aimed to exclude the French threat.
(c) Right (does not apply): the subsidy paid for troops and was not a fixed income for the Company.
(d) Applies: it brought states under British paramountcy.

Worth knowing: The subsidy did bring the Company regular revenue, so option (c) is arguable; UPSC's key treats it as the statement that does not apply.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.