Which of the following statements accurately describes the "Subsidiary Alliance" imposed on Awadh?

Correct Option

The correct option is

The Nawab had to disband his military force and accept British troops.

Explanation

The Subsidiary Alliance system, aggressively implemented by Lord Wellesley (1798–1805), was a diplomatic and military strategy used to establish British paramountcy over Indian states. Under this system, Indian rulers were compelled to accept British military protection in exchange for surrendering their sovereignty regarding foreign affairs and defense.

Option Analysis

• The Nawab had to disband his military force and accept British troops. is Correct: The Treaty of 1801 imposed on Awadh required the Nawab (Saadat Ali Khan) to disband his own military forces and station a permanent British subsidiary force within his kingdom. This rendered the state militarily dependent on the East India Company.
• The Nawab was allowed to rule independently without paying for British troops. is Incorrect: The alliance was not free of cost. The ruler was obligated to pay for the maintenance of the British troops. In the case of Awadh, the Nawab was forced to cede approximately half of his territory (including Rohilkhand and the Lower Doab) to the British in lieu of cash payments.
• The British took over the revenue collection but left administration to the Nawab. is Incorrect: This description resembles the Dual System of Government in Bengal (1765–1772). In Awadh, the British did not merely take over revenue while leaving administration; rather, they annexed specific territories completely while leaving the Nawab to rule the remaining areas under the watchful eye of a British Resident.
• The Nawab was replaced by a British Governor immediately in 1801. is Incorrect: The Nawab was not removed in 1801. The dynasty continued to rule as a protected state until 1856, when Awadh was formally annexed by Lord Dalhousie on the charges of "misgovernance," and the last Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, was deposed.

Key Takeaway: The Subsidiary Alliance system stripped Indian rulers of their independent military power and foreign relations, forcing them to maintain British troops at their own expense, which often led to financial bankruptcy and territorial cession.