Q.12. Discuss the expansion of British rule in India during Governor Generalship of Lord Wellesley.

During the Governor-Generalship of Lord Wellesley (1798-1805), the British Empire significantly expanded its dominion in India through a combination of diplomatic and military strategies. The key elements of Wellesley’s expansion policy included:

1. Subsidiary Alliances: Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system, compelling Indian rulers to accept a permanent British force in their territory and pay for its maintenance. This often resulted in the rulers ceding part of their territory instead of paying an annual subsidy.
2. Outright Wars: Wellesley engaged in outright wars to extend British control. Notable among these was the Second Anglo-Mysore War, which led to the defeat of Tipu Sultan and the significant reduction of Mysore’s power.
3. Assumption of Territories: The territories of previously subordinated rulers were assumed under British control, further expanding the Empire’s reach.
4. Treaty of Bassein: The defeat of the Marathas led to the Treaty of Bassein in 1802, which effectively placed the Maratha Empire under British suzerainty and marked a significant expansion of British rule in India.

Lord Wellesley’s tenure was marked by aggressive expansion and the consolidation of British power in India, setting the stage for almost two centuries of British presence in the subcontinent.