The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy devised by which of the following Governors-General of India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Lord Dalhousie.
The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy devised by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. According to this policy, if a ruler of a princely state under British control died without a direct male heir, the state would "lapse" and be annexed by the British East India Company. This policy led to the annexation of several states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur, and played a significant role in increasing resentment against British rule, contributing to the Revolt of 1857.