Question

what is meant by the doctrine of lapse?

Answer 1

The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy purportedly devised by Lord Dalhousie, who was the Governor General for the East India Company in India between 1848 and 1856.

Answer 2

Doctrine of lapse was the policy of Dalhousie, the then Governor General, to annexed the independent Indian States in 1848 A.D. This doctrine was based on the idea that in case a ruler of dependent state died childless, the right of ruling over the State reverted or 'lapsed' to the sovereign.