Question

The Final wave of annexations occurred under 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 his kingdom would “Lapse” that is, become part of Company territory. One Kingdom after another was annexed simply by applying this doctrine: Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1850), Udaipur (1852), Nagpur (1853) and Jhansi (1854). 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. Questions: (a) Who formulated the policy of Doctrine of Lapse ? (b) What do you understand by the word “Doctrine of Lapse” ? (c) What was the reason for annexation of Awadh by the Company ? (d) Name the kingdoms annexed with the policy of Doctrine of Lapse. (e) How the people of Awadh responded to forceful annexation ?​

Answer 1

Explanation:

After his death in 1839, two prolonged wars were fought with the Sikh kingdom. Ultimately, in 1849, Punjab was annexed. 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