It was imposed after the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799.
Explanation
The Subsidiary Alliance system was a diplomatic mechanism used by the British East India Company, particularly under Lord Wellesley (1798–1805), to establish political hegemony over Indian states. Under this system, the Indian ruler had to maintain a British contingent within their territory and pay for its maintenance, effectively losing sovereignty over external affairs.
Option Analysis
- It was imposed after the First Anglo-Mysore War. is Incorrect: The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767–1769) concluded with the Treaty of Madras. This was a defensive alliance based on mutual restitution of conquests, not a Subsidiary Alliance.
- It was imposed after the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799. is Correct: The Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on Mysore immediately following the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799). This war resulted in the defeat and death of Tipu Sultan. Lord Wellesley offered the alliance to the restored dynasty to ensure Mysore remained a dependent ally of the British.
- Mysore was annexed completely and no local ruler was allowed. is Incorrect: Mysore was not completely annexed. While significant territories were divided between the British, the Nizam, and the Marathas, a core territory was carved out to form a separate Kingdom of Mysore.
- The Wodeyar dynasty was permanently removed from power. is Incorrect: The British restored the ancient Hindu Wodeyar dynasty to the throne. A minor ruler, Krishnaraja III, was installed, and the Subsidiary Alliance was imposed upon him.
Key Takeaway: The Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on Mysore in 1799 after the death of Tipu Sultan and the restoration of the Wodeyar dynasty by Lord Wellesley.