Why was the Doctrine of Lapse so deeply resented among Indian rulers?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is It denied adopted heirs the right to succeed, undermining traditional succession.
Explanation:
☛ The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy aggressively implemented by Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856).
☛ According to this policy, if an Indian ruler of a dependent princely state died without a natural male heir, his kingdom would not pass to an adopted heir but would automatically lapse into British territory.
☛ Indian tradition had long recognized the custom of adopting an heir (Dattaka) who possessed full legal rights to inherit both personal wealth and the royal throne.
☛ Dalhousie denied adopted sons the right to succeed to the throne, restricting their rights solely to private property, which deeply enraged Indian rulers and became a major political cause of the Revolt of 1857.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Satara: In 1848, Satara became the very first princely state to be annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse.
☛ Other Major Annexations: Other states annexed under this doctrine included Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Baghat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1854), and Nagpur (1854).
☛ Awadh (1856): Awadh was annexed by Lord Dalhousie not under the Doctrine of Lapse, but on the pretext of alleged misgovernance (maladministration).
☛ Withdrawal: Following the 1857 rebellion, the Doctrine of Lapse was officially abandoned by Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858 under Lord Canning.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the Governor-General of India associated with the aggressive execution of the Doctrine of Lapse? → Lord Dalhousie
☛ Which princely state was the first to be annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse in 1848? → Satara
☛ In which year was the princely state of Jhansi annexed by the British? → 1854
☛ On what specific grounds was the kingdom of Awadh annexed by the British in 1856? → Maladministration (Misgovernance)
☛ Which Viceroy officially announced the abolition of the Doctrine of Lapse through the Queen's Proclamation? → Lord Canning