Which of the following policy as introduced by Lord Dalhousie?
VerifiedAnswer: Doctrine of Lapse
Explanation:
The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial annexation policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. This policy became one of the most significant administrative decisions during British colonial rule and had far-reaching consequences for Indian princely states.
Under this doctrine, any princely state or territory under the East India Company's protection would automatically be annexed if the ruler died without a natural male heir. The policy completely disregarded the traditional Indian practice of adopting heirs, which had been a common and accepted method of succession in Indian kingdoms for centuries.
The main objective behind this policy was to expand British territorial control and eliminate independent or semi-independent Indian states. Lord Dalhousie believed that this would create administrative uniformity and increase the Company's revenue through direct control of these territories.
Several prominent states were annexed under this policy, including:
• Satara (1848) - the first state to be annexed under this doctrine • Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849) • Baghat (1850) • Udaipur (1852) • Jhansi (1854) - ruled by Rani Lakshmibai, who later became a prominent figure in the 1857 revolt • Nagpur (1854)
The Doctrine of Lapse created widespread resentment among Indian rulers and their subjects. It was seen as a direct attack on Indian traditions and customs, particularly the practice of adoption which was deeply rooted in Hindu law and custom. Many rulers who had no natural heirs lived in constant fear of annexation.
This policy significantly contributed to the growing discontent that eventually led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The annexed territories and displaced rulers became natural allies of the rebellion, as they had lost their kingdoms and status due to British policies.
After the 1857 rebellion, the British government realized the negative impact of such aggressive annexation policies. The Government of India Act of 1858 transferred control from the East India Company to the British Crown, and subsequent policies became more accommodating toward Indian rulers and their traditional practices of succession.
