Question

give a short note on doctrine of lapse

Answer 1

Oudh (1856) is widely believed to have been annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse. However it was annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the pretext of mis-governance. ... The princely state of Kittur was taken over by the East India Company in 1824 by imposing a 'doctrine of lapse'.

Answer 2

According to this doctrine, if a ruler of an independent state died without a natural heir(son) to succeed him, the state would handover to the East India company.

This doctrine was introduced by Lord Dalhousie.