What is Tributary state?
[[Image:National Museum KL 2008 (36).JPG|thumb|''Bunga mas'', a form of tribute sent to the King of [[Siam]] from his vassal states in the [[Malay Peninsula]] ]] A '''tributary state''' is a state that is [[wikt:subordinate|subordinate]] to a more powerful [[neighbour]]. It was a form of subordination in pre-modern times. The tributary sent a regular token of [[wikt:submission|submission]] to the superior power. This was a [[tribute]], a substantial gift of wealth, such as the gold, produce, or slaves. The tribute might best be seen as the payment of protection money. But there were other ways to show submission as well. For modern forms of state subordination, see [[puppet state]], [[satellite state]] and [[client state]]. {{Politics-stub}} [[Category:States]] [[Category:International politics]]