Question

Hoq did the doctrine of lapse help the British in the annexation of Indian States?

Answer 1

According to this doctrine, if an Indian ruler of dependent state died without leaving a natural heir, the state would pass over to the British. The doctrine did not recognize adopted children as rightful heirs. By this, British annexed three Maratha dependent states. For example, when the ruler of Jhansi died in 1853 A.D without a child, the widowed Rani Lakshmi Bai was pensioned off, and their adopted son, Anand Rao, was not recognized by the British and Jhansi was annexed.In this way they annexed the Indian states.