Question

The 'Doctrine of Lapse' is associated with

• A. Lord Curzon
• B. Lord Canning
• C. Lord Hastings
• D. Lord Dalhousie

Hint:

Key policies and the Governor-Generals who implemented them are a very important topic for history exams. Make a list of Governor-Generals and match them with their significant policies (e.g., Dalhousie - Doctrine of Lapse, Wellesley - Subsidiary Alliance, Bentinck - Abolition of Sati).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was an annexation policy followed by the British East India Company in India. It stated that if the ruler of a princely state under the paramountcy of the Company died without a natural male heir, his state would be annexed into the British territories.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Doctrine of Lapse is most famously associated with Lord Dalhousie, who was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. Although the policy was articulated by the Court of Directors of the East India Company before his tenure, Lord Dalhousie implemented it vigorously and on a large scale to expand British dominion in India. Several states were annexed under this policy, including Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1849), Nagpur (1854), and Jhansi (1854). This policy was one of the major causes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The 'Doctrine of Lapse' is associated with Lord Dalhousie. Therefore, option (D) is the correct answer.