Practice and Revision - Traders to Rulers - Part II
Let us practise and revise what we learned about traders to rulers - part ii. Following initial gains in Bengal, the British East India Comp
Core concept
The Company used policies like the Subsidiary Alliance, where Indian rulers accepted British protection but lost control over their armies and foreign policy.
How it works
The Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British to annex kingdoms when rulers died without a male heir, further expanding British territory.
Why it matters
Wars against powers like the Marathas and Mysore (under Tipu Sultan) extended British control over large parts of India.
Key detail
By the mid-19th century, the British East India Company controlled or influenced most of the Indian subcontinent, either directly or through allied rulers.
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Quick notes
• The Subsidiary Alliance gave rulers protection but reduced independence.
• Rulers lost control of armies and foreign policy.
• The Doctrine of Lapse allowed annexation without a male heir.
• This expanded British territory.
• Wars against the Marathas and Mysore extended control.
• Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore.
• By the mid-19th century, British influence covered most of India.
• This was through direct rule or allied rulers.