NATIONAL MOVEMENT- Common Causes of Early Rebellion – Political – Subsidiary Treaty.

NATIONAL MOVEMENT- Common Causes of Early Rebellion – Political – Subsidiary Treaty.

The Subsidiary Alliance system, introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798, was a significant political strategy employed by the British East India Company to expand its dominion over Indian princely states. While it ostensibly offered protection to these states, in reality, it systematically eroded their sovereignty and autonomy, leading to widespread resentment and contributing to early rebellions, notably the Revolt of 1857.

What Was the Subsidiary Alliance?

The Subsidiary Alliance was a treaty between the British East India Company and Indian princely states. Under this agreement:

Indian rulers were required to disband their own armies and accept British forces within their territories.

• They had to bear the expenses of these British troops.
• They were prohibited from forming alliances with other powers or waging wars without British consent.
• A British Resident was stationed in their courts to oversee and influence administrative decisions.

This effectively reduced the princely states to vassals, stripping them of genuine autonomy .

Political Impact and Early Rebellions

The imposition of the Subsidiary Alliance had profound political repercussions:

• Loss of Sovereignty: Rulers who entered into these alliances found their authority undermined, leading to a sense of humiliation and powerlessness.
• Financial Strain: The burden of maintaining British troops drained the treasuries of these states, leading to economic hardships.
• Disbandment of Native Armies: Thousands of soldiers lost their livelihoods, fostering discontent and unrest among the military class .
• Erosion of Traditional Governance: The presence of British Residents interfered with local administration, disrupting established systems and customs.

These factors collectively sowed the seeds of rebellion, as the affected populations grew increasingly resentful of British interference and control.

Role in the Revolt of 1857

The cumulative grievances stemming from the Subsidiary Alliance system played a pivotal role in the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857:

• Annexation of States: States like Awadh, which had previously been allies, were annexed under the guise of misgovernance, despite existing treaties .
• Displacement of Nobility: The traditional ruling classes, having lost their power and privileges, became active participants in the rebellion.
• Military Discontent: Former soldiers, aggrieved by their displacement and the loss of status, joined the uprising against the British.

The widespread dissatisfaction with British policies, epitomized by the Subsidiary Alliance, galvanized various sections of Indian society to unite against colonial rule.

Conclusion

The Subsidiary Alliance system, while presented as a means of protection and mutual cooperation, was a strategic tool for the British to consolidate power in India. Its implementation led to the erosion of indigenous political structures, economic exploitation, and social unrest. These consequences were instrumental in fueling early rebellions, culminating in the significant uprising of 1857, which marked a turning point in India’s struggle against colonial domination.

NATIONAL MOVEMENT- Common Causes of Early Rebellion – Political – Subsidiary Treaty

Unit: 1A POLITICAL STRATEGIES OF INDIA’S FREEDOM …

HISTORY OF INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT FROM 1885 …

7 POPULAR RESISTANCE TO THE BRITISH RULE

The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

UNIT 3 INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT