Question

what is doctrine of lapse

Answer 1

The doctrine of lapse was an annexation policy applied by the Lord Dalhousie in India before 1858 .

Answer 2

Doctrine of Lapse:

• After taking over governal-General in 1848, Lord Dalhousie began the final stage of  annexations. He devised  a policy called Doctrine of Lapse.
• According to it , when a ruler of kingdom under british control (subsidiary  State) died without natural heir his territory would not pass to his adopted son.
• Instead it will lapse.That is the territory will automatically pas to British.
• Unless the adoptation was earlier approved by British. Dalhousie annexed Satara , Nagpur, Jhansi and many other kingdom under Doctrine of  Lapse.