1. Lord Wellesley became Governor-General of India in:
A) 1793
B) 1798
C) 1800
D) 1805
Answer: B) 1798
Explanation: He served as Governor-General from 1798 to 1805.
2. Lord Wellesley is best remembered for:
A) Doctrine of Lapse
B) Subsidiary Alliance
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Forward Policy
Answer: B) Subsidiary Alliance
Explanation: His policy aimed at bringing Indian states under British control.
3. Lord Wellesley was also known as:
A) Morning Star of Indian Renaissance
B) Bengal Tiger
C) Architect of British Empire in India
D) Father of Indian Education
Answer: C) Architect of British Empire in India
Explanation: His aggressive policies expanded British supremacy.
4. Wellesley’s policy marked a shift from:
A) Defensive ring-fence policy
B) Subsidiary Alliance to Doctrine of Lapse
C) Indianization to Europeanization
D) Expansion to consolidation
Answer: A) Defensive ring-fence policy
Explanation: Unlike Cornwallis, he pursued an aggressive expansionist policy.
5. The post of Governor-General of India (held by Wellesley) was created under:
A) Regulating Act, 1773
B) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
C) Charter Act, 1813
D) Charter Act, 1833
Answer: A) Regulating Act, 1773
Explanation: It created the office of Governor-General of Bengal, later becoming Governor-General of India.
6. Wellesley’s primary goal in India was to:
A) Promote trade with China
B) Establish British paramountcy in India
C) Spread Christianity
D) Reduce Company expenditure
Answer: B) Establish British paramountcy in India
Explanation: He aimed to make the Company the supreme power.
7. Wellesley’s policy of expansion was also driven by:
A) Rivalry with France in global politics
B) Mughal resurgence
C) Weakness of Company finances
D) Industrial revolution in Britain
Answer: A) Rivalry with France in global politics
Explanation: Britain and France were global rivals; he feared French influence in India.
8. Who was the French military adventurer serving Tipu Sultan that alarmed Wellesley?
A) Dupleix
B) Bussy
C) General Lally
D) Napoleon Bonaparte
Answer: D) Napoleon Bonaparte
Explanation: Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign (1798) raised fears of French invasion via India.
9. Wellesley’s administration in India began in the context of:
A) Global Anglo-French rivalry
B) Maratha supremacy in India
C) Mughal resurgence
D) Decline of Company trade
Answer: A) Global Anglo-French rivalry
Explanation: French threat strongly influenced Wellesley’s aggressive policies.
10. Wellesley’s expansionist policies were opposed by:
A) Company’s directors in London
B) Marathas
C) Mysore
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His wars were costly, opposed by the Company and Indian states.
11. Which Governor-General introduced the Subsidiary Alliance?
A) Cornwallis
B) Wellesley
C) Hastings
D) Dalhousie
Answer: B) Wellesley
Explanation: Introduced in 1798, it brought Indian rulers under British control.
12. Wellesley founded which educational institution in 1800?
A) Hindu College, Calcutta
B) Fort William College, Calcutta
C) Asiatic Society of Bengal
D) Sanskrit College, Varanasi
Answer: B) Fort William College, Calcutta
Explanation: Established to train Company’s civil servants in local languages and administration.
13. Fort William College was established in which year?
A) 1793
B) 1798
C) 1800
D) 1805
Answer: C) 1800
Explanation: It was set up in Calcutta by Lord Wellesley.
14. The Directors of the Company opposed Fort William College because:
A) It was too costly
B) It encouraged Indian culture
C) It was against Christian missionary work
D) It increased Mughal influence
Answer: A) It was too costly
Explanation: The Court of Directors in London shut it down later, calling it extravagant.
15. Wellesley became Governor-General during the tenure of which British monarch?
A) George II
B) George III
C) William IV
D) Queen Victoria
Answer: B) George III
Explanation: He ruled during King George III’s reign.
16. Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance was first accepted by:
A) Hyderabad (Nizam)
B) Mysore (Tipu Sultan)
C) Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daulah)
D) Marathas (Scindia)
Answer: A) Hyderabad (Nizam)
Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first to accept the Alliance in 1798.
17. Wellesley expanded British control mainly through:
A) Wars and annexations
B) Subsidiary Alliance
C) Diplomatic treaties
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: He used a mix of diplomacy and warfare.
18. Wellesley became Governor-General after the recall of:
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) Sir John Shore
C) Warren Hastings
D) Lord Amherst
Answer: B) Sir John Shore
Explanation: He succeeded Shore in 1798.
19. The primary reason for Wellesley’s aggressive policies was:
A) Company’s trade monopoly
B) Fear of French influence in Indian states
C) Desire to reform Indian society
D) Expansion of missionary work
Answer: B) Fear of French influence in Indian states
Explanation: He feared Indian rulers would ally with France against the British.
20. Wellesley’s younger brother, Arthur Wellesley, later became famous as:
A) Lord Dalhousie
B) Duke of Wellington
C) Lord Curzon
D) Lord Ripon
Answer: B) Duke of Wellington
Explanation: He became a hero of the Battle of Waterloo (1815).
21. Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance required rulers to:
A) Accept a British Resident at their court
B) Disband their own armies
C) Pay for a British subsidiary force
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The system ensured rulers lost independence.
22. Under Wellesley, Awadh was forced to accept Subsidiary Alliance in:
A) 1798
B) 1801
C) 1803
D) 1805
Answer: B) 1801
Explanation: Nawab Saadat Ali Khan accepted it in 1801.
23. Which Indian state was annexed by Wellesley on charges of misrule?
A) Awadh
B) Mysore
C) Tanjore
D) Surat
Answer: C) Tanjore
Explanation: Tanjore was annexed in 1799.
24. Wellesley annexed the kingdom of Surat in:
A) 1799
B) 1800
C) 1801
D) 1803
Answer: A) 1799
Explanation: Surat was annexed by Wellesley in 1799.
25. Wellesley’s policy of Subsidiary Alliance led to:
A) Expansion of British supremacy in India
B) Decline of Indian rulers’ independence
C) British control over Indian states without direct annexation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Subsidiary Alliance made Indian states dependent on the British.
26. The main aim of the Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Wellesley was:
A) To protect Indian rulers from French aggression
B) To establish indirect British control over Indian states
C) To strengthen Mughal authority
D) To increase trade revenues
Answer: B) To establish indirect British control over Indian states
Explanation: By placing British forces in Indian states, rulers lost sovereignty while remaining nominally independent.
27. A key condition of the Subsidiary Alliance was that Indian rulers had to:
A) Accept a British Resident at their court
B) Pay for the maintenance of a British subsidiary force
C) Not employ Europeans without British consent
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These clauses reduced the independence of Indian rulers.
28. If rulers under the Subsidiary Alliance could not pay for the subsidiary force, they had to:
A) Cede part of their territory
B) Dismiss their ministers
C) Raise taxes on peasants
D) Allow British monopoly in trade
Answer: A) Cede part of their territory
Explanation: This clause led to territorial expansion of the Company.
29. The first Indian state to accept Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance was:
A) Awadh
B) Hyderabad
C) Mysore
D) Tanjore
Answer: B) Hyderabad
Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad signed the Alliance in 1798.
30. The Nawab of Awadh accepted the Subsidiary Alliance in:
A) 1798
B) 1799
C) 1801
D) 1803
Answer: C) 1801
Explanation: Saadat Ali Khan of Awadh signed the Alliance in 1801.
31. Which Maratha state came under Subsidiary Alliance after defeat in the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
A) Scindia of Gwalior
B) Holkar of Indore
C) Gaekwad of Baroda
D) Bhonsle of Nagpur
Answer: A) Scindia of Gwalior
Explanation: Scindia was forced to sign the Alliance after defeat in 1803.
32. The Subsidiary Alliance was described as a “policy of isolation” for Indian rulers because:
A) They could not form alliances with other states
B) They could not employ foreign military advisors
C) They had to rely only on the British for defense
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These clauses made them fully dependent on the British.
33. The Subsidiary Alliance was criticized because:
A) It drained Indian states financially
B) It reduced their sovereignty
C) It allowed direct British interference in internal affairs
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Alliance effectively made Indian rulers puppets of the British.
34. The Raja of Tanjore was forced to accept Subsidiary Alliance in:
A) 1799
B) 1800
C) 1801
D) 1805
Answer: A) 1799
Explanation: Wellesley forced Tanjore under Subsidiary Alliance in 1799.
35. Under Subsidiary Alliance, Indian states were forced to:
A) Dismiss their native armies
B) Depend on the Company’s forces
C) Pay heavy subsidies
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The policy crippled their military and financial independence.
36. Wellesley established Fort William College in Calcutta in:
A) 1798
B) 1800
C) 1801
D) 1803
Answer: B) 1800
Explanation: It was set up to train Company’s civil servants.
37. The main purpose of Fort William College was to:
A) Educate Indian princes
B) Train Company’s civil servants in Indian languages and administration
C) Promote Western education among Indians
D) Train missionaries
Answer: B) Train Company’s civil servants in Indian languages and administration
Explanation: It helped officers learn Persian, Arabic, and Indian laws/customs.
38. The Directors of the East India Company opposed Fort William College because:
A) It was costly and unnecessary
B) It was promoting Indian nationalism
C) It reduced missionary influence
D) It encouraged Indian officers
Answer: A) It was costly and unnecessary
Explanation: The Court of Directors in London ordered its closure, later shifting training to Haileybury in England.
39. Wellesley’s educational initiative indirectly promoted:
A) Orientalist studies
B) Indian nationalism
C) Vernacular literature
D) Western missionary schools
Answer: A) Orientalist studies
Explanation: By teaching civil servants Indian languages and culture, oriental studies flourished.
40. Wellesley appointed British Residents in Indian courts mainly to:
A) Observe court rituals
B) Supervise Indian rulers and interfere in their administration
C) Collect revenue directly
D) Act as trade officers
Answer: B) Supervise Indian rulers and interfere in their administration
Explanation: Residents acted as political agents, reducing rulers’ freedom.
41. Wellesley’s system of political control through Residents was especially effective in:
A) Awadh and Hyderabad
B) Punjab and Sindh
C) Kashmir and Nepal
D) Assam and Burma
Answer: A) Awadh and Hyderabad
Explanation: Residents became powerful in these princely states.
42. Which of the following was NOT a feature of Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance?
A) Rulers had to maintain British troops at their cost
B) Rulers could ally with other Indian states freely
C) Rulers had to dismiss foreign employees
D) A British Resident was stationed at their court
Answer: B) Rulers could ally with other Indian states freely
Explanation: They were barred from independent foreign policy.
43. The biggest beneficiary of Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance was:
A) Indian rulers
B) The East India Company
C) Mughal Emperor
D) French East India Company
Answer: B) The East India Company
Explanation: It expanded British influence without costly annexations.
44. The impact of Subsidiary Alliance on Indian rulers was:
A) Loss of military freedom
B) Heavy financial burden
C) Loss of sovereignty
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They became dependent “subsidiary” powers.
45. A significant administrative step by Wellesley was:
A) Reorganizing Company’s military on European lines
B) Codification of Hindu law
C) Creation of the Supreme Court
D) Abolition of zamindari
Answer: A) Reorganizing Company’s military on European lines
Explanation: He strengthened the Company’s army for his expansionist wars.
46. Wellesley’s reforms in the Company’s army emphasized:
A) Modern training and discipline
B) Reduction in size to save costs
C) Use of Indian mercenaries only
D) Disbanding artillery units
Answer: A) Modern training and discipline
Explanation: He reorganized it as a modern professional force.
47. Which state lost the Karnatak region under Wellesley’s policy?
A) Mysore
B) Tanjore
C) Hyderabad
D) Awadh
Answer: C) Hyderabad
Explanation: Hyderabad ceded the Karnatak to the Company under the Alliance.
48. Wellesley justified Subsidiary Alliance as a system to:
A) Protect Indians from the French
B) Promote good governance in Indian states
C) Reduce Company expenditure
D) Strengthen Mughal power
Answer: A) Protect Indians from the French
Explanation: He used the French threat as a pretext for expansion.
49. Wellesley’s policies greatly increased:
A) Company’s expenditure and debts
B) Indian rulers’ independence
C) Mughal authority
D) Trade with China
Answer: A) Company’s expenditure and debts
Explanation: His expansionist wars drained Company finances.
50. Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance is considered a precursor to:
A) Doctrine of Lapse
B) Forward Policy
C) Indian National Congress
D) Non-cooperation Movement
Answer: A) Doctrine of Lapse
Explanation: Both policies reduced Indian sovereignty, leading to eventual annexations.
51. During Lord Wellesley’s tenure, the British fought which Mysore ruler?
A) Haidar Ali
B) Tipu Sultan
C) Chikka Krishnaraja Wodeyar
D) Krishnaraja III
Answer: B) Tipu Sultan
Explanation: Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799).
52. The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War took place in:
A) 1780–1784
B) 1790–1792
C) 1799
D) 1801–1803
Answer: C) 1799
Explanation: It was fought in 1799 during Wellesley’s tenure.
53. The immediate cause of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War was:
A) Tipu’s alliance with the French
B) Tipu’s invasion of Travancore
C) Dispute over Malabar region
D) British attack on Mysore capital
Answer: A) Tipu’s alliance with the French
Explanation: Tipu’s negotiations with Revolutionary France alarmed Wellesley.
54. The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War ended with the:
A) Treaty of Madras
B) Treaty of Mangalore
C) Treaty of Seringapatam
D) Fall of Seringapatam
Answer: D) Fall of Seringapatam
Explanation: The British captured Seringapatam in 1799, killing Tipu Sultan.
55. Tipu Sultan died fighting in 1799 at:
A) Mysore
B) Bangalore
C) Seringapatam
D) Mangalore
Answer: C) Seringapatam
Explanation: Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital Seringapatam.
56. After the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, Mysore was:
A) Annexed completely to the Company
B) Restored to the Wodeyars under British control
C) Divided between the British and Marathas
D) Given to Hyderabad Nizam
Answer: B) Restored to the Wodeyars under British control
Explanation: A minor from the Wodeyar dynasty was installed as ruler, under Subsidiary Alliance.
57. After Tipu’s death, who was placed on the throne of Mysore?
A) Krishnaraja Wodeyar III
B) Hyder Ali II
C) Saadat Ali
D) Baji Rao II
Answer: A) Krishnaraja Wodeyar III
Explanation: A child from the old Wodeyar family was made ruler under British control.
58. Lord Wellesley’s aggressive expansion alarmed which Indian power after Mysore’s fall?
A) Sikhs
B) Marathas
C) Nawabs of Awadh
D) Nizam of Hyderabad
Answer: B) Marathas
Explanation: The Marathas were the next major obstacle to British expansion.
59. The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought during Wellesley’s tenure in:
A) 1775–1782
B) 1790–1792
C) 1799–1800
D) 1803–1805
Answer: D) 1803–1805
Explanation: The Second Anglo-Maratha War occurred during Wellesley’s Governor-Generalship.
60. The immediate cause of the Second Anglo-Maratha War was:
A) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
B) Death of Tipu Sultan
C) British annexation of Tanjore
D) French threat in India
Answer: A) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
Explanation: Signed between Baji Rao II (Peshwa) and the British, angering other Marathas.
61. The Treaty of Bassein (1802) was signed between the British and:
A) Scindia of Gwalior
B) Holkar of Indore
C) Baji Rao II (Peshwa)
D) Bhonsle of Nagpur
Answer: C) Baji Rao II (Peshwa)
Explanation: It made the Peshwa a dependent ally of the British.
62. Under the Treaty of Bassein (1802), Baji Rao II agreed to:
A) Maintain a British subsidiary force
B) Surrender control over foreign relations
C) Accept a British Resident in his court
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: This treaty effectively ended Maratha independence.
63. Which Maratha leader opposed the Treaty of Bassein most strongly?
A) Mahadji Scindia
B) Daulat Rao Scindia
C) Yashwantrao Holkar
D) Raghuji Bhonsle
Answer: C) Yashwantrao Holkar
Explanation: Holkar saw it as betrayal of Maratha confederacy’s independence.
64. The Second Anglo-Maratha War led to British battles against:
A) Scindia, Holkar, and Bhonsle
B) Only Holkar
C) Only Scindia
D) Only Peshwa
Answer: A) Scindia, Holkar, and Bhonsle
Explanation: The war was fought against different Maratha chiefs.
65. The Battle of Assaye (1803) during the Second Anglo-Maratha War was led by:
A) Lord Wellesley himself
B) Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington)
C) Cornwallis
D) John Shore
Answer: B) Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington)
Explanation: Wellesley’s brother Arthur won the famous Battle of Assaye.
66. The Battle of Assaye is remembered as:
A) A decisive British victory over Tipu Sultan
B) The first major victory of Arthur Wellesley
C) A French defeat in India
D) A naval battle
Answer: B) The first major victory of Arthur Wellesley
Explanation: It marked his rise to fame as a commander.
67. Which treaty ended the conflict with the Scindias in 1803?
A) Treaty of Salbai
B) Treaty of Bassein
C) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon
D) Treaty of Deogaon
Answer: C) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon
Explanation: Daulat Rao Scindia signed this treaty with the British in 1803.
68. Which treaty ended the war with the Bhonsles of Nagpur in 1803?
A) Treaty of Bassein
B) Treaty of Deogaon
C) Treaty of Salbai
D) Treaty of Kanpur
Answer: B) Treaty of Deogaon
Explanation: Signed with Raghuji Bhonsle in 1803, ceding Cuttack and Orissa to the British.
69. The Treaty of Deogaon (1803) was signed with which Maratha ruler?
A) Daulat Rao Scindia
B) Raghuji Bhonsle
C) Yashwantrao Holkar
D) Baji Rao II
Answer: B) Raghuji Bhonsle
Explanation: He ceded Orissa and Cuttack region to the British.
70. The Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803) was signed with:
A) Baji Rao II
B) Yashwantrao Holkar
C) Daulat Rao Scindia
D) Raghuji Bhonsle
Answer: C) Daulat Rao Scindia
Explanation: It reduced Scindia’s power and territory significantly.
71. The Maratha confederacy was weakened after the Second Anglo-Maratha War because:
A) Its chiefs signed separate treaties with the British
B) The Peshwa lost authority
C) The British gained large territories
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The confederacy’s unity was destroyed by Wellesley’s policies.
72. A major territorial gain for the British after the Second Anglo-Maratha War was:
A) Delhi and Agra
B) Punjab
C) Sindh
D) Assam
Answer: A) Delhi and Agra
Explanation: They captured Delhi, bringing the Mughal Emperor under British protection.
73. After the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the Mughal Emperor became:
A) A French ally
B) A British pensioner
C) Restored to independence
D) A ruler of Punjab
Answer: B) A British pensioner
Explanation: The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II came under Company’s protection.
74. Wellesley’s expansionist wars greatly increased:
A) Company’s prestige
B) Company’s debts
C) Company’s control over Indian states
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His wars expanded British influence but drained finances.
75. Wellesley’s expansionist policy earned him the title of:
A) Bengal Tiger
B) Conqueror of India
C) Architect of British Empire in India
D) Father of Modern India
Answer: C) Architect of British Empire in India
Explanation: His aggressive policies transformed the Company into an imperial power.
76. Lord Wellesley’s overall foreign policy is best described as:
A) Ring Fence Policy
B) Forward and Expansionist Policy
C) Non-Intervention Policy
D) Neutral Policy
Answer: B) Forward and Expansionist Policy
Explanation: He abandoned Cornwallis’ defensive strategy and aggressively expanded British control.
77. Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance policy led to:
A) Loss of sovereignty for Indian states
B) Expansion of British influence without direct annexation
C) Heavy financial burdens on rulers
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: It was a clever way to extend British dominance.
78. Wellesley was heavily criticized in England because:
A) He encouraged Indian culture
B) His expansionist wars drained Company finances
C) He refused to support missionaries
D) He neglected Bengal administration
Answer: B) His expansionist wars drained Company finances
Explanation: His wars increased the Company’s debts massively.
79. Which body in England objected strongly to Wellesley’s policies?
A) British Parliament
B) House of Lords
C) Court of Directors of the East India Company
D) The Crown
Answer: C) Court of Directors of the East India Company
Explanation: They disapproved of his costly expansionist policies.
80. Wellesley resigned and returned to England in:
A) 1803
B) 1805
C) 1808
D) 1810
Answer: B) 1805
Explanation: He resigned in 1805 due to financial criticisms.
81. Who succeeded Lord Wellesley as Governor-General in 1805?
A) Cornwallis (Second Term)
B) Sir George Barlow
C) Lord Hastings
D) Lord Minto
Answer: A) Cornwallis (Second Term)
Explanation: Cornwallis returned in 1805 but died soon after.
82. Wellesley’s Fort William College was later replaced by training at:
A) Calcutta University
B) Oxford University
C) Haileybury College (England)
D) Madras College
Answer: C) Haileybury College (England)
Explanation: The Directors preferred training civil servants in England at Haileybury.
83. The lasting importance of Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance was that:
A) It created a network of dependent princely states
B) It strengthened Mughal Emperor
C) It revived Maratha power
D) It ended French influence in Europe
Answer: A) It created a network of dependent princely states
Explanation: This gave the British control over most of India by indirect means.
84. Which ruler’s acceptance of Subsidiary Alliance first expanded British control in South India?
A) Nizam of Hyderabad
B) Tipu Sultan
C) Peshwa Baji Rao II
D) Raghuji Bhonsle
Answer: A) Nizam of Hyderabad
Explanation: The Nizam was the first to accept the Alliance in 1798.
85. Wellesley’s wars ensured British supremacy in:
A) South India
B) Central India
C) Delhi and North India
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His conquests and treaties spread Company power across India.
86. Which Mughal Emperor came under British protection during Wellesley’s time?
A) Bahadur Shah I
B) Shah Alam II
C) Akbar II
D) Bahadur Shah II
Answer: B) Shah Alam II
Explanation: After capture of Delhi (1803), he became a British pensioner.
87. Wellesley’s military campaigns were mainly aimed at removing the influence of:
A) French in India
B) Portuguese in Goa
C) Dutch in Malacca
D) Afghans in Punjab
Answer: A) French in India
Explanation: His aggressive stance was motivated by the global Anglo-French rivalry.
88. Wellesley’s aggressive expansion policy was continued by:
A) Cornwallis
B) Lord Hastings
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) William Bentinck
Answer: B) Lord Hastings
Explanation: Hastings pursued wars against Marathas and Nepalis to extend British rule.
89. Wellesley’s most famous family member was his brother:
A) Henry Wellesley
B) Arthur Wellesley
C) Richard Wellesley
D) Charles Wellesley
Answer: B) Arthur Wellesley
Explanation: Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) defeated Napoleon at Waterloo (1815).
90. The Treaty of Bassein (1802) is often called:
A) The Magna Carta of British Empire in India
B) The death knell of Maratha independence
C) The end of French influence in India
D) The foundation of Subsidiary Alliance
Answer: B) The death knell of Maratha independence
Explanation: It destroyed Maratha confederacy unity and independence.
91. Which Governor-General is associated with the title “Architect of British Empire in India”?
A) Warren Hastings
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Lord Wellesley
D) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: C) Lord Wellesley
Explanation: His policies transformed the Company into an imperial power.
92. Wellesley’s policies were later considered a forerunner to:
A) Doctrine of Lapse (Dalhousie)
B) Forward Policy (Auckland)
C) Divide and Rule (Curzon)
D) Dyarchy (Montagu–Chelmsford)
Answer: A) Doctrine of Lapse (Dalhousie)
Explanation: Both curtailed sovereignty of Indian states.
93. The most important criticism of Wellesley’s policy was that:
A) It ignored Indian society
B) It was too costly for the Company
C) It revived Mughal power
D) It neglected education
Answer: B) It was too costly for the Company
Explanation: His wars left the Company in heavy debt.
94. Which Indian region was annexed during Wellesley’s tenure in 1799?
A) Mysore (Tipu Sultan’s kingdom)
B) Punjab
C) Sindh
D) Assam
Answer: A) Mysore (Tipu Sultan’s kingdom)
Explanation: After Tipu’s death, half of Mysore was annexed, the rest restored to Wodeyars.
95. Which of the following treaties is NOT associated with Wellesley’s tenure?
A) Treaty of Seringapatam
B) Treaty of Bassein
C) Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon
D) Treaty of Deogaon
Answer: A) Treaty of Seringapatam
Explanation: That treaty ended the 3rd Anglo-Mysore War (1792) under Cornwallis, not Wellesley.
96. Wellesley’s legacy in Indian administration is significant because:
A) He laid the foundation for British paramountcy
B) He introduced permanent settlement
C) He abolished slavery
D) He promoted Indian representation in councils
Answer: A) He laid the foundation for British paramountcy
Explanation: His policies brought most Indian states under indirect British control.
97. Wellesley’s educational initiative (Fort William College) indirectly encouraged:
A) Study of Indian languages and culture
B) Missionary education
C) English medium schools for Indians
D) Sanskrit schools
Answer: A) Study of Indian languages and culture
Explanation: It trained Company officials in Persian, Sanskrit, and Indian customs.
98. Wellesley’s wars paved the way for:
A) British supremacy in South and Central India
B) Decline of Mysore and Marathas
C) Subordination of Mughal Emperor
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His expansionist policy consolidated Company power across India.
99. In British Parliamentary debates, Wellesley was accused of:
A) Imperial overreach and extravagance
B) Supporting French revolutionaries
C) Mismanaging Bengal famine
D) Weakness against Tipu Sultan
Answer: A) Imperial overreach and extravagance
Explanation: His costly wars and alliances drew sharp criticism in England.
100. In summary, Lord Wellesley’s rule is remembered as:
A) A defensive phase of British rule
B) A turning point that converted the Company into an imperial power
C) A time of Mughal revival
D) A peaceful era without wars
Answer: B) A turning point that converted the Company into an imperial power
Explanation: Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance and wars made the British the supreme power in India.