Introduction
The period of Lord Wellesley’s Governor-Generalship (1798–1805) was a significant phase in the expansion of British rule in India. His policies, primarily based on military aggression and diplomatic manipulation, led to the rapid territorial expansion of the British East India Company. Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance System, which effectively brought Indian princely states under British control. His tenure saw the defeat of major regional powers, including Mysore and the Marathas, and the consolidation of British dominance in the Indian subcontinent.
Background: Political Conditions in India Before Wellesley
Before Wellesley took office, India was a fragmented land of multiple princely states, Maratha confederacies, and other regional powers vying for supremacy. The British East India Company had already established its dominance in Bengal, Bihar, and parts of southern India. However, strong Indian rulers like Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the Maratha chiefs posed significant challenges to British expansion. Wellesley’s aggressive expansionist policies aimed to secure British supremacy by systematically neutralizing these threats.
The Policy of Subsidiary Alliance
One of the most crucial strategies employed by Wellesley was the Subsidiary Alliance System. Under this system:
- Indian rulers had to accept British troops stationed in their territory for protection.
- They had to bear the expenses of these troops or cede a part of their territory.
- They were forbidden from forming alliances with other powers or engaging in war without British permission.
- In return, the British assured them of protection from external and internal threats.
This policy effectively reduced Indian rulers to mere puppets under British control. Some significant states that accepted the Subsidiary Alliance were:
- Nizam of Hyderabad (1798): The first ruler to accept the alliance.
- Mysore (1799): Following the defeat of Tipu Sultan.
- Tanjore, Awadh, and Peshwa of the Marathas: Several other states were compelled to accept British supremacy.
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) and the Fall of Tipu Sultan
Wellesley’s tenure saw the decisive defeat of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
Causes of the War
- Tipu Sultan’s hostility towards the British and his alliances with the French.
- British fear of a French invasion through Mysore.
- Tipu’s refusal to accept the Subsidiary Alliance.
Course of the War
- The British, along with their allies (Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad), launched an attack on Mysore.
- The decisive Battle of Seringapatam (1799) led to the death of Tipu Sultan.
- Mysore was annexed, and a puppet ruler was installed.
- This victory eliminated a major obstacle to British dominance in South India.
Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)
Wellesley’s next major confrontation was with the Marathas, who were the strongest indigenous power left in India.
Causes of the War
- The internal rivalry among the Maratha chiefs weakened their unity.
- The British sought to expand their influence by taking advantage of Maratha conflicts.
- Peshwa Baji Rao II accepted the Subsidiary Alliance, angering other Maratha factions.
Course of the War
- The British, led by Arthur Wellesley, defeated the Marathas in key battles such as Assaye (1803) and Delhi (1803).
- The Maratha chiefs Scindia, Holkar, and Bhonsle were subdued, though Holkar continued resistance for some time.
- The Treaty of Bassein (1802) placed the Peshwa under British control.
Annexation of Awadh (1801)
Wellesley saw Awadh as a rich and strategically significant region.
- The Nawab of Awadh was forced to accept the Subsidiary Alliance in 1801.
- Heavy financial burdens and British interference led to the annexation of a large part of Awadh.
- This move strengthened British control over North India.
Strategic and Administrative Reforms
Wellesley introduced several reforms to strengthen British administration and military control in India:
- Fortification of British military power: Established a strong military presence in newly acquired territories.
- Strengthening of civil administration: Improved revenue collection and governance.
- Foundation of Fort William College (1800): To train British officials in Indian languages and administration.
Criticism and End of Wellesley’s Tenure
Despite his successes, Wellesley’s policies were heavily criticized:
- Excessive military expenditure: His aggressive wars drained the Company’s treasury.
- Autocratic rule: His methods were seen as high-handed and undiplomatic.
- Hostility among Indian rulers: His aggressive policies created resentment among Indian states.
Due to these factors, Wellesley was recalled to Britain in 1805. However, his expansionist policies laid the foundation for further British conquests in India.
Conclusion
Lord Wellesley played a pivotal role in shaping British rule in India through military conquests, the Subsidiary Alliance System, and diplomatic strategies. His policies led to the defeat of major Indian powers like Mysore and the Marathas, securing British supremacy in large parts of India. Although his tenure ended in controversy due to financial strains, his aggressive expansionist approach significantly contributed to the establishment of British dominance in India, paving the way for the eventual consolidation of British rule in the 19th century.
