The doctrine of Lapse is related to?
VerifiedAnswer: Policy to expand British territory in India on basis of pro-imperialistic approach.
Explanation:
The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. This policy served as a powerful tool for the British East India Company to expand its territorial control over the Indian subcontinent through what appeared to be legal means, but was fundamentally driven by imperialistic ambitions.
Under this doctrine, any princely state or territory under the East India Company's influence would automatically "lapse" or become part of British territory if the ruler died without a natural male heir. The policy explicitly rejected the traditional Indian practice of adoption, where rulers could adopt sons to continue their lineage and inherit the throne. This was particularly significant because adoption was a widely accepted and culturally important practice in Indian society.
The doctrine was applied to several prominent Indian states, leading to their annexation by the British. Some notable examples include Satara (1848), Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Baghat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854). The annexation of Jhansi under this policy particularly angered Rani Lakshmibai, who became one of the most prominent leaders in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The pro-imperialistic nature of this policy becomes evident when we examine its selective application. The British conveniently applied the doctrine only when it served their territorial expansion goals. They often ignored legitimate claims and traditional succession practices that had been followed for centuries in Indian kingdoms. This arbitrary implementation revealed the true motive behind the policy – territorial acquisition rather than administrative efficiency or legal consistency.
The economic benefits to the British were substantial. Each annexed state brought with it valuable resources, revenue systems, and strategic advantages. The policy allowed the British to expand their control without engaging in costly military campaigns, making it an economically attractive method of territorial expansion.
However, this policy created widespread resentment among Indian rulers and their subjects. It violated traditional Indian customs and legal practices, leading to significant political instability. Many historians consider the Doctrine of Lapse as one of the major contributing factors to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as it created a large pool of displaced rulers, nobles, and soldiers who had lost their positions due to annexations.
