Ans.   Shifting its role from trading corporation the Britishers gradually become supreme power in India and adopted various methods. In the course of expanding their dominion in India, the British East India Company implemented a range of strategic approaches to exert control over Indian states before resorting to outright annexation. These methods were characterized by diplomatic manoeuvres, economic manipulation, and political interference. Understanding the different strategies employed provides insights into the nuanced processes that paved the way for British dominance during the era of colonial rule in India.

1. Subsidiary Alliance:  It ensured indirect control over the affair of the princely state, like the ruler had to maintain a British force in his capital.
2. Example: Lord Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance. The Nizam of Hyderabad and the Nawab of Awadh entered into subsidiary alliances with the British, requiring them to maintain British troops in their territories. This increased British influence and control over these states.
3. Doctrine of lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie under this policy if an Indian ruler died without a male heir then his state would be annexed by the company.
4. Example: Lord Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse in the mid-19th century. When the ruler of the state of Satara died without a male heir, Dalhousie refused to recognize the adopted heir, leading to the annexation of Satara in 1848.
5. Paramountcy:  It allowed the Britishers to interfere in the affair of the princely states and gradually bring then under their control.
6. Divide and rule:   It makes one group against other groups, caste against caste religion against religion to forbid national unity.
7. Economic Control: Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari System:

Example: The Permanent Settlement in Bengal (1793) and the Ryotwari System in Madras and Bombay Presidencies involved fixing land revenue. This economic control allowed the British to exert influence over the financial matters of these regions. The expansionist policies adopted by the various Governor Generals made sure the control of Indian territories and subjugation of native rulers were done to precision. The Britishers rule made its mark in Indians history like none other.