What was Subsidiary Alliance?

Subsidiary Alliance was a system of land revenue introduced by Lord Wellesley in 1798. All the local rulers had to accept following terms and conditions who entered into such an alliance with the British:

(i) The ally would have to keep a British armed contingent in his territory.

(ii) The British would be responsible for protection of their ally from any type of external and internal threats to their power.

(iii) Resources for maintaining the British contingent would be provided by the ally.

(iv) The ally could not enter into the agreement with other local rulers or foreign companies or engage in warfare without the permission of the British.

(v) One British Resident would be stationed in the court of the ally king.