§ Mr. REESasked whether ruling chiefs of native States in India are under any, and, if the answer be in the affirmative, under what, obligation to provide Imperial Service troops for the defence of the Indian Empire?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe scheme of Imperial Service troops introduced in 1889 was based on offers made by Indian princes to contribute towards the defence of India; and was established on the principle that the maintenance of these troops by Indian princes in their territories should be voluntary. The 363 voluntary nature of the undertakings on which the system is based has always been recognised.