Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Doctrine of Lapse?
(a) It allowed the British to annex states where rulers failed to pay annual tribute.
(b) It allowed the British to annex states where the ruler died without a natural heir.
(c) It enabled the British to take direct control of states ruled by allies in cases of alleged misgovernance.
(d) It enabled the British to acquire additional revenue sources by annexing states.

Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Doctrine of Lapse?
(a) It allowed the British to annex states where rulers failed to pay annual tribute.
(b) It allowed the British to annex states where the ruler died without a natural heir.
(c) It enabled the British to take direct control of states ruled by allies in cases of alleged misgovernance.
(d) It enabled the British to acquire additional revenue sources by annexing states.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

The chief instrument through which Lord Dalhousie implemented his policy of annexation was the Doctrine of Lapse. Under this Doctrine, when the ruler of a protected state died without a natural heir, his state was not to pass to an adopted heir as sanctioned by the age-old tradition of the country. Instead, it was to be annexed to the British dominions unless the adoption had been clearly approved earlier by the British authorities. Many states, including Satara in 1848 and Nagpur and Jhansi in 1854, were annexed by applying this doctrine.

Min. Time: 16 S Max Time: 16 S
M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Doctrine of Lapse? (a) It allowed the British to annex states where rulers failed to pay annual tribute. (b) It allowed the British to annex states where the ruler died without a natural heir. (c) It enabled the British to take direct control of states ruled by allies in cases of alleged misgovernance. (d) It enabled the British to acquire additional revenue sources by annexing states.

Modern Indian History

British Expansion in India

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