RAS question
The Treaty of Rajputana states with the British (1817-1818) is commonly known as:
Correct answer: (B) Subsidiary Alliance Treaties.
The treaties signed by Rajputana states with the British in 1817-1818 are commonly known as Subsidiary Alliance Treaties.
Explanation
The Rajputana treaties of 1817-1818 are classified as subsidiary alliance treaties because the rulers received British protection while accepting British supremacy in external affairs. A subsidiary alliance was an arrangement between an Indian state and a European East India Company, especially the British East India Company. It protected the ruler against external attacks, but required British control over external relations and a British Resident to supervise diplomatic correspondence. Rajput states including Jaipur and Jodhpur entered such alliances in 1818. The date range and terms therefore point to a category of agreements, not one individually named treaty.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Treaty of Surat is a specific named treaty. In contrast, the question asks for the common name of the Rajputana agreements of 1817-1818: subsidiary alliance treaties.
- (C) Treaty of Sagauli is a specific named treaty and does not describe the arrangement under which the Rajputana states accepted British protection and supremacy. That arrangement was the subsidiary alliance system.
- (D) Treaty of Bassein is a specific named treaty, not the common name for the Rajputana states' agreements with the British in 1817-1818.
Concept
This question tests the Rajasthan-history theme of British expansion and relations with princely states. It appears repeatedly in RAS because Rajputana's incorporation into British paramountcy is commonly explained through the subsidiary alliance system.