The alliances created a structure of indirect rule where many princely states were subordinate to British interests.

Wellesley focused on the Deccan and central India where many princely states accepted alliances.

Lord Wellesley (not Arthur Wellesley) was the principal architect of the Subsidiary Alliance policy.

Treaties prohibited independent diplomatic relations with other European powers like France.

British control over external affairs and military presence made rulers reliant on British decisions.

Critics argue alliances drained resources, reduced independent policy-making, and led to de facto control by Britain.

Rulers paid subsidies or ceded territory to meet costs of British troops stationed in their states.

Later British policies, like the Doctrine of Lapse, sometimes worked alongside alliances to consolidate control.

Some rulers accepted alliances to get military protection against stronger neighbors or internal rivals.

It was a method of indirect control where states were 'protected' but effectively controlled by the British.