Which one of the following was not included in the terms and conditions of Subsidiary Alliance System of Lord Wellesley ?

The Subsidiary Alliance System, aggressively implemented by Lord Wellesley (1798–1805), was designed to subordinate Indian states to British paramountcy [1]. Under its terms, the British guaranteed protection to the allying state against external attacks and internal revolts [4]. In return, the ally was compelled to accept the permanent stationing of a British armed contingent within its territory and provide resources—either through cash subsidies or the cession of territory—for its maintenance [4]. Crucially, the system stripped the ally of its sovereign rights in foreign affairs; the ruler could not engage in warfare or enter into any agreements or negotiations with other rulers without the prior consultation and approval of the British Governor-General [3]. Therefore, the statement that the ally was free to enter into agreements or engage in warfare is incorrect as it contradicts the core principle of British control over the ally's external relations [3].

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 5: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India > Subsidiary Alliance > p. 120
2. [4] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 5: Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India > Was the British Conquest Accidental or Intentional? > p. 83
3. [3] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 4: The British Conquest of India > Expansion under Lord Wellesley (1798-1805) > p. 78
4. [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 4: The British Conquest of India > Expansion under Lord Wellesley (1798-1805) > p. 77