Indian Princely States Archives

11. The British Officer who was a representative of the Governor General a

The British Officer who was a representative of the Governor General and who lived in a State which was not under direct British rule was called:

Collector

Viceroy

Resident

Agent

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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The correct option is C) Resident.

Under the system of Subsidiary Alliance and during the period of British paramountcy, the British Government appointed an officer, known as the Resident, to represent the Governor General in the courts of the princely states that were not under direct British rule but had entered into agreements with the British. The Resident’s role was initially diplomatic but gradually evolved into exercising considerable influence and control over the state’s internal affairs.

– A Collector was a revenue official in British-administered districts.
– A Viceroy was the Governor General representing the Crown in British India, presiding over the directly ruled territories.
– An Agent to the Governor General (AGG) was also a representative, often overseeing a group of states or a large region like Rajputana or Central India. The Resident was typically posted within a specific important state. While roles could overlap or be used interchangeably in some contexts, ‘Resident’ is the most accurate term for the officer permanently stationed in a major princely state.

12. Raja Gulab Singh acquired Kashmir by

Raja Gulab Singh acquired Kashmir by

the Treaty of Amritsar

the Treaty of Lahore

the Treaty of Bhyroval

the Treaty of Sugauli

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Geoscientist – 2022

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Raja Gulab Singh acquired Kashmir by the Treaty of Amritsar.

Following the First Anglo-Sikh War, the Treaty of Lahore (1846) required the Sikh state to cede territory, including Kashmir, to the British East India Company. Shortly after, the Company sold Kashmir to Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu for 75 lakh rupees via the Treaty of Amritsar on March 16, 1846.

The Treaty of Lahore was signed on March 9, 1846, ending the war. The Treaty of Bhyroval (December 1846) further increased British control over the Sikh state. The Treaty of Sugauli (1816) was related to the Anglo-Nepalese War.

13. Which Maratha statesman signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1

Which Maratha statesman signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802 ?

Baji Rao II

Vithuji Holkar

Daulat Rao Sindhia

Madhava Rao Narayan

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2021

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The Treaty of Bassein was signed on December 31, 1802, between the British East India Company and Peshwa Baji Rao II. Following his defeat by the Holkar forces, Baji Rao II sought British protection and signed this subsidiary alliance treaty, effectively surrendering his independence to the British.

– This treaty is considered a significant step in the expansion of British power in India, as it brought the head of the Maratha Confederacy under British control.
– The treaty led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War as other Maratha chiefs (Sindhia and Bhonsle) opposed it.

Vithuji Holkar was involved in the conflict leading up to the treaty but did not sign it. Daulat Rao Sindhia was a prominent Maratha chief who fought against the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Madhava Rao Narayan was Peshwa before Baji Rao II.

14. The State of Hyderabad in the Deccan officially acceded to the Indian

The State of Hyderabad in the Deccan officially acceded to the Indian Union in the year

1948

1950

1949

1947

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2020

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The State of Hyderabad officially acceded to the Indian Union in 1948 following a military operation code-named ‘Operation Polo’.

Operation Polo led to the integration of Hyderabad state into India in September 1948.

Initially, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, wanted to remain independent or join Pakistan. The Indian government viewed Hyderabad’s geographical location as a threat to national integrity. Following a breakdown in negotiations and increasing internal unrest, the Indian army was sent in, resulting in the state’s accession.