The Subsidiary Alliance was a system of political control introduced by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805. This system was imposed on many Indian states to bring them under British control. Awadh, a princely state in North India, was also brought under the Subsidiary Alliance system in 1801.

Explanation:

Background:
- In the late 18th century, the British East India Company had become the dominant power in India.
- Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805, wanted to consolidate British power in India and establish a stable and centralized government.
- He believed that the Subsidiary Alliance system would help achieve this goal.

What is Subsidiary Alliance?
- Under the Subsidiary Alliance system, a weaker state would have to accept the protection of the British East India Company.
- In return, the British would have control over the foreign policy and defense of the state.
- The state would also have to maintain a British army in its territory and pay for its upkeep.
- The British would provide protection to the state from external threats and internal rebellions.
- The British would also have the right to station their troops in the state and use its resources for their own purposes.
- The Subsidiary Alliance system was designed to gradually bring the Indian states under British control without using direct force.

Imposition of Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh:
- Awadh was a prosperous state located in North India, ruled by the Nawabs of Awadh.
- The British had been maintaining a resident in Awadh since 1765, who was responsible for protecting British interests in the state.
- In 1801, Lord Wellesley imposed the Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh, which was signed by the Nawab of Awadh, Wazir Ali.
- As per the agreement, Awadh had to maintain a British army in its territory and pay for its upkeep.
- The British also gained control over the foreign policy and defense of the state, and had the right to station their troops in Awadh and use its resources.
- The Subsidiary Alliance helped the British to control the rich resources of Awadh, including its fertile land, skilled artisans, and trade routes.

Impact of Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh:
- The imposition of the Subsidiary Alliance had a significant impact on the political and economic stability of Awadh.
- The state was forced to maintain a large British army, which put a strain on its finances.
- The British used Awadh's resources for their own purposes, which affected the state's economy.
- The Subsidiary Alliance also weakened the authority of the Nawab of Awadh, who became a puppet ruler under British control.
- The system of Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on many other Indian states, which weakened their autonomy and led to the gradual consolidation of British power in India.

Conclusion:
- The Subsidiary Alliance system was a significant tool used by the British to consolidate their power in India.
- The imposition of the Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh had far-reaching consequences for the political and economic stability of the state.
- The system weakened the autonomy of Indian states and paved the way for the British to establish their colonial rule in India.