The correct answer is: D) Limited sovereignty under British protection.
The Subsidiary Alliance system was a system of military alliances between the British East India Company and the princely states of India. Under the system, the princely states agreed to cede control of their military forces to the British in exchange for British protection. This meant that the British had control over the princely states’ foreign policy and could station troops in their territories.
The Subsidiary Alliance system was forced on the princely state of Mysore in 1799 after the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The war had ended with the defeat of Mysore and the death of its ruler, Tipu Sultan. The British East India Company then imposed the Subsidiary Alliance system on Mysore, which limited the state’s sovereignty and made it a British protectorate.
The Subsidiary Alliance system was a controversial system that was opposed by many Indian rulers. However, it was a key part of the British East India Company’s strategy for expanding its control over India.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Direct British rule. This option is incorrect because the Subsidiary Alliance system did not result in direct British rule over Mysore. Instead, the system limited Mysore’s sovereignty and made it a British protectorate.
- Option B: An alliance with the Marathas. This option is incorrect because Mysore was not allied with the Marathas. In fact, Mysore was a rival of the Marathas.
- Option C: Independence. This option is incorrect because the Subsidiary Alliance system limited Mysore’s sovereignty and made it a British protectorate.
- Option D: Limited sovereignty under British protection. This option is correct because the Subsidiary Alliance system limited Mysore’s sovereignty and made it a British protectorate.