Q. Doctrine of Lapse was adopted as a measure to annex Indian states by
(a) Lord Cornwallis
(b) Lord Clive
(c) Lord Dalhousie
(d) Lord Wellesley
Ans: (c) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: The Doctrine of Lapse was adopted as a measure to annex Indian states by option (c) Lord Dalhousie. Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, introduced the Doctrine of Lapse as part of his policy of territorial expansion and consolidation. According to this doctrine, if an Indian ruler died without a natural heir or an adopted heir, the state would be annexed by the British East India Company. This policy was aimed at increasing British control over Indian territories and annexing states that were considered “lapsed” due to the absence of a direct heir. The Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of several princely states by the British during Lord Dalhousie’s tenure.
