Introduction

Vision and Objectives

1.Supremacy of the Company: Wellesley's primary goal was to establish the British East India Company as the paramount power in India, extending its territories and reducing Indian states to a position of dependency. This marked a clear departure from his predecessor's more cautious policies.

2.Policy of Aggrandizement: Eschewing the policies of peace and non-intervention, Wellesley embarked on a series of wars and annexations, believing that only through expansion could the Company secure its interests against potential enemies.

Attitude Towards Indian States

1.High-Handed Diplomacy: Wellesley's dealings with Indian rulers were characterized by a domineering and aggressive stance. He viewed himself as a Bengal tiger on the lookout for opportunities to expand British influence.

2.Cultural and Political Misunderstandings: Possessing a Eurocentric view of political systems, Wellesley struggled to appreciate the complexities of Indian polities, particularly the Maratha Confederacy. He regarded the annexation of Maratha territories as a benevolent act, failing to recognize the legitimacy and intricacies of their governance structures.