1) Discuss the policies and impact of Lord Wellesley in consolidating British power in India during the early 19th century.
UPSC Mains Syllabus topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.Why was this question asked? (Theme – British Consolidation) Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movements.
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.
Introduction: Lord Wellesley’s initiatives and diplomatic maneuvers had a profound impact on British dominance in the subcontinent.
Body:
I. Policy of Subsidiary Alliances:
1. Implementation of the Subsidiary Alliance System, wherein local rulers were forced to accept British military protection in exchange for control over their foreign affairs and the stationing of British troops.
2. The objective was to ensure British supremacy, weaken rival Indian powers, and expand British influence throughout India.
II. Wars and Expansion:
1. Anglo-Maratha Wars: Lord Wellesley engaged in a series of conflicts with the Maratha Empire, defeating their forces and securing British control over significant territories.
2. Mysore Campaign: Wellesley’s forces defeated Tipu Sultan of Mysore, resulting in the Treaty of Srirangapatnam and further extending British dominion.