What is doctrine of lapse?

The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy devised and applied by the British East India Company in India until 1859. It was used to expand British territory by annexing Indian princely states that:

• Had a ruler who died without a natural heir (a biological son, grandson, or great-grandson). Adoption was not considered a legitimate heir.
• Were deemed by the British to be misgoverned.

Under the doctrine, any princely state under the suzerainty of the British East India Company (the dominant power) would have its independent status abolished, and be annexed into British India. This would occur if the ruler was either "manifestly incompetent or died without a male heir".

Key aspects and implications of the Doctrine of Lapse:

• Right to Adopt: While Indian rulers had traditionally adopted heirs, the Doctrine of Lapse disregarded this custom. This was a major point of contention and considered a violation of Indian traditions.
• Subsidiary Alliance: The doctrine was often applied to states that had already signed the https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Subsidiary%20Alliance with the British. The Subsidiary Alliance system required Indian rulers to maintain British troops in their territory and cede control of their foreign policy to the British. This dependence made them vulnerable to the application of the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Notable Annexations: Several prominent states were annexed using the Doctrine of Lapse, including Satara (1848), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854). The annexation of Awadh (Oudh) in 1856 was based on alleged misgovernment, although many considered it a thinly veiled application of the doctrine.
• Role of Lord Dalhousie: Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, is most famously associated with the Doctrine of Lapse. He aggressively pursued its implementation, leading to significant territorial expansion for the British.
• Impact on the 1857 Revolt: The Doctrine of Lapse is widely considered a contributing factor to the https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Indian%20Rebellion%20of%201857. The annexations caused resentment and anger among Indian rulers and sepoys (Indian soldiers in the British East India Company's army), who felt their rights and privileges were being threatened.
• Abolition: The Doctrine of Lapse was formally abandoned after the 1857 revolt, deemed too destabilizing a policy.