Lord dalhousie doctrine of lapse cause

Mains : Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy implemented by the British East India Company in the mid-nineteenth century under the administration of Lord Dalhousie to , the then Governor-General of India. This doctrine contributed significantly to the expansion of British territories in India by annexing princely states without a direct male heir.

Doctrine of annexation

Although the British saw it as a tool for administrative efficiency, Indian rulers despised the doctrine, which is credited with sparking the Indian Rebellion of After the rebellion, the doctrine was abandoned as part of efforts to reconcile with princely states. Many Indian princely states have traditionally adopted heirs in the absence of a direct male successor to ensure the continuation of their rule.

The Doctrine of Lapse dictated that if an Indian princely state lacked a surviving male heir or if there was a succession dispute, the British would annexe the state's territory. The doctrine of lapse was widely regarded as an imperialist approach by Indian rulers. They opposed this policy because it increased the power of the British government.

The Doctrine of Lapse had several key features that defined its implementation:. The Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of several key princely states, significantly expanding British territories in India. Some of the most notable annexations include Satara , Nagpur and Awadh :. The Doctrine of Lapse had profound effects on British India.

It led to significant territorial expansion but also incited widespread resentment among Indian rulers. Its implementation contributed to the unrest that culminated in the Indian Rebellion of The Doctrine of Lapse, though short-lived, significantly expanded British control and revenue, but it alienated Indian rulers and fueled the rebellion.

Its abandonment marked a shift from aggressive annexation to a more conciliatory approach toward princely states.