The Doctrine of Lapse


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Doctrine of Lapse

The Doctrine of Lapse: The final wave of annexations occurred under Lord Dalhousie who was the governor-general from 1848 to 1856. He devised a policy that came to be known as the doctrine of lapse. The doctrine declared that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir or did not have child, then his kingdom would ‘lapse’, that is, become part of company territory but it was an accepted practice to adopt one. The British refused to recognise such adoption. One kingdom after another was annexed simply by applying this doctrine. Finally, in 1856, the company also took over Awadh.

This time the British had an added argument-they said they were ‘obliged by duty’ to take over Awadh in order to free the people from the misgovernment of the Nawab. Enraged by the humiliating way in which the Nawab was deposed, the people of Awadh joined the great revolt that broke out in 1857.

Sample Questions
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Question : 1

Identity the wrong statement :

Right Option : A
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Question : 2

The Doctrine of Lapse was propounded by

Right Option : A
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Question : 3

Which of the following was the state that was not annexed by Lord Dalhouise by using Doctrine of Lapse ?

Right Option : C
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