The Doctrine of Lapse

2.2.4 The Doctrine of Lapse

Description

Quick Overview

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy implemented by the British East India Company, enabling them to annex Indian territories when rulers died without male heirs.

Standard

The Doctrine of Lapse was a key instrument used by Lord Dalhousie to expand British control in India. It allowed the Company to claim territories of Indian rulers who died without a male heir, leading to the annexation of several states including Satara, Jhansi, and Awadh. This policy fueled resentment and ultimately contributed to the revolt of 1857.

Detailed

The Doctrine of Lapse

The Doctrine of Lapse, formulated by Lord Dalhousie during his tenure as Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, was a crucial policy for expanding British territorial control in India. This doctrine asserted that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, their princely state would automatically "lapse" or revert to British control. This premise served as a legal justification for annexing multiple states, such as:
- Satara (1848)
- Sambalpur (1850)
- Udaipur (1852)
- Nagpur (1853)
- Jhansi (1854)

The most significant annexation under this policy was Awadh (1856), justified by the British as a necessary action to remove the alleged misgovernance of its Nawab. The forced annexation of these territories, particularly Awadh, provoked strong local resentment, which played a vital role in igniting the widespread revolt against British rule in 1857. The Doctrine of Lapse is significant not only for its direct consequences but also for the broader implications it had on the political landscape of India during this period.

Key Concepts

  • Doctrine of Lapse: A policy to annex territories from Indian rulers without male heirs.

  • Annexation: The act of taking control over a territory, crucial for British expansion.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • If a ruler has no son, his kingdom's done, British takeover has just begun!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once there was a king without an heir, and his kingdom vanished, just like air!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • RAP: Resentment, Annexation, Power loss due to the Doctrine.

🎯 Super Acronyms

DL stands for Doctrine of Lapse!

Examples

  • The annexation of Jhansi in 1854, when the British claimed the territory after the king's death without a male heir.

  • Awadh was annexed in 1856 with the justification of removing the Nawab due to alleged misgovernance.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Doctrine of Lapse

    Definition:

    A policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie allowing the British to annex Indian states when a ruler died without a male heir.

  • Term: Annex

    Definition:

    To take control of a territory, typically by force or legal means.