RAS question
The Doctrine of Lapse was applied by Lord Dalhousie to annex which of the following states? 1. Satara 2. Jhansi 3. Nagpur 4. Awadh
Correct answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse to annex Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur, while Awadh was annexed on the charge of misgovernance.
Explanation
The Doctrine of Lapse was Dalhousie's annexation policy for states where an Indian ruler died without a male heir; such a kingdom was treated as having lapsed into the Company's territory. Satara, Nagpur and Jhansi fall under this Doctrine of Lapse category, making statements 1, 2 and 3 correct. Awadh is the important trap: the Company took over Awadh in 1856 because it alleged misgovernance by the Nawab, not because of the Doctrine of Lapse. Therefore, Awadh should not be counted with the states annexed through the Doctrine of Lapse.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) It includes Awadh, which was annexed on the charge of misgovernance, and leaves out Satara and Nagpur, both listed under the Doctrine of Lapse.
- (C) It incorrectly adds Awadh to the Doctrine of Lapse list, although Awadh was taken over in 1856 on the ground of misgovernance.
- (D) It omits Jhansi, which belongs with Satara and Nagpur under Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse.
Concept
This tests the British expansion methods in Modern Indian History, especially how Dalhousie's annexation policy differed from other Company justifications. RAS often asks such statement-combination questions because one tempting exception, here Awadh, changes the answer.