The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
A tributary relationship is a political relationship between two states in which one state, the tributary state, pays tribute to the other state, the suzerain state. The tribute can take the form of money, goods, or services. The tributary state also acknowledges the suzerainty of the dominant power, which means that it recognizes the suzerain state’s authority over it.
Feudatory states were often tributary states to larger kingdoms. This was because the feudal system was based on a hierarchy of lords and vassals. The lords were the most powerful, and they had vassals who owed them loyalty and service. The vassals were often required to pay tribute to their lords, and they also had to provide military support.
The suzerain state could use its power to demand tribute from the tributary state, and it could also use its power to enforce its authority over the tributary state. For example, the suzerain state could send troops into the tributary state if it did not pay its tribute or if it rebelled against the suzerain state’s authority.
The tributary state could benefit from its relationship with the suzerain state. The suzerain state could provide protection for the tributary state from other powers, and it could also provide the tributary state with access to markets and resources. However, the tributary state was also at risk of being exploited by the suzerain state. The suzerain state could demand excessive tribute from the tributary state, and it could also use its power to interfere in the tributary state’s internal affairs.