The policy of Doctrine of Lapse was mainly used for

(a) Strengthening Indian rulers

(b) Annexing Indian states without heirs

(c) Collecting revenue

(d) Establishing factories

The correct Answer: (b) Annexing Indian states without heirs

What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, in the mid-nineteenth century. According to this policy:

• If a ruler of a princely state died without a natural male heir, his kingdom would automatically be annexed by the British East India Company.
• The adoption of an heir was not recognized unless it had the approval of the British.

States annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse:

• Satara (1848)
• Sambalpur (1850)
• Nagpur (1853)
• Jhansi (1854)

Impact of the policy:

1. It led to the expansion of British territories in India.
2. It created widespread resentment among Indian rulers and people, as it interfered with traditional rights of succession.
3. The annexation of Jhansi under this policy became one of the immediate causes for the Revolt of 1857, as Rani Lakshmibai strongly opposed it.

While the Doctrine of Lapse helped the British consolidate their empire, it also became one of the most controversial and unpopular policies, fueling discontent that later turned into armed resistance against colonial rule.