Which British Governor-General pursued the 'Policy of Subordinate Isolation' towards the Indian princely states during the 19th century?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Lord Hastings served as Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823 and actively dismantled the earlier non-intervention stance by bringing native states into a subordinate relationship through subsidiary alliances and military conquests. Other leaders like Lord Wellesley initiated the subsidiary alliance system much earlier, whereas Lord Dalhousie relied on the Doctrine of Lapse for annexation. For competitive examinations, noting the third Anglo-Maratha War during Hastings tenure helps link policy shifts to the expansion of British paramountcy.