Explore how the British East India Company expanded its dominance in India from 1757-1857 through annexation policies, diplomacy, and administrative mechanisms. Learn about key policies like Warren Hastings’ 'ring-fence' and Wellesley’s 'subsidiary alliance' and their impact on Indian states.
×
Extension of British Paramountcy Through Administrative Policy
Introduction
The process of imperial expansion and consolidation of British paramountcy was carried on by the Company during the 1757-1857 period through a two-fold method:
(a) Policy of annexation by conquest or war
(b) Policy of annexation by diplomacy and administrative mechanisms
The Company defeated and subjugated major Indian powers like Bengal, Mysore, the Marathas, and the Sikhs mainly by waging wars and through deceit.
In many other cases, the British applied diplomatic and administrative policies.
Examples include Warren Hastings’ ‘ring-fence’ policy, Wellesley’s ‘subsidiary alliance’, and Dalhousie’s ‘doctrine of lapse’.
The Policy of Ring-Fence
Warren Hastings took charge as governor-general during a critical period when the British faced a powerful combination of the Marathas, Mysore, and Hyderabad.
He implemented a policy of ring-fence, creating buffer zones to defend the Company’s frontiers.
This policy aimed at the defence of neighbours’ frontiers to safeguard British territories.
The policy was reflected in Hastings’ wars against the Marathas and Mysore.
The chief dangers to the Company’s territories were Afghan invaders and the Marathas.
The Company organized the defence of Awadh, with the Nawab covering the expenses of the defending army.
The defence of Awadh was equivalent to the defence of Bengal at that time.
States under the ring-fence system were assured of military assistance against external aggression at their own expense.
Allies were required to maintain subsidiary forces organized and commanded by Company officers, who were paid by the rulers of these states.
Wellesley’s Policy of Subsidiary Alliance
Wellesley’s policy of subsidiary alliance was an extension of the ring-fence system.
It aimed to reduce Indian states to a position of dependence on the British government.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Use for more information.
