Analyzing Statements on Lord Dalhousie, Doctrine of Lapse, and Awadh Annexation

Let's carefully examine each statement to determine its correctness based on historical facts related to British rule in India.

Statement I: Lord Dalhousie introduced doctrine of lapse.

This statement refers to the Doctrine of Lapse, a controversial annexation policy widely associated with Lord Dalhousie. This policy stipulated that if a native ruler died without a natural heir, their kingdom would 'lapse', i.e., become part of the British East India Company's territory. It was applied to several states.

Historically, Lord Dalhousie served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. During his tenure, the Doctrine of Lapse was systematically implemented and used as a primary tool for annexing Indian states like Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1849), Udaipur (1852), Nagpur (1853), and Jhansi (1854). Although the concept of 'lapse' existed before Dalhousie, his administration applied it vigorously and codified it into a major policy instrument for expansion.

Therefore, it is widely accepted that Lord Dalhousie was the key figure who fully implemented and expanded the application of the Doctrine of Lapse. This statement is correct.

Statement II: Company took over Awadh in 1856.

This statement concerns the annexation of the state of Awadh (also spelled Oudh) by the British East India Company. Awadh was a significant princely state with a large population and strategic importance.

Historical records confirm that the state of Awadh was formally annexed by the British East India Company in 1856. The pretext used for this annexation was alleged misgovernance (maladministration) by the Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah. This event took place during Lord Dalhousie's tenure as Governor-General and was one of his final acts of annexation before his departure.

Thus, the statement that the Company took over Awadh in 1856 is historically accurate. This statement is correct.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of both statements:

• Statement I is correct as Lord Dalhousie is strongly associated with introducing and extensively applying the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Statement II is correct as Awadh was annexed by the Company in 1856 on the grounds of misgovernance.

Since both statements I and II are correct, the correct option is the one that indicates both statements are true.

Revision Table: Key Annexations by Dalhousie

Additional Information: Impact of Dalhousie's Policies

Lord Dalhousie's period as Governor-General (1848-1856) is often considered a period of aggressive expansion of British territory in India. Besides the Doctrine of Lapse and the annexation of Awadh, he also introduced significant administrative and technological changes, including the introduction of the railway, telegraph, and postal system in India. However, his annexation policies, particularly the Doctrine of Lapse and the controversial annexation of Awadh, caused widespread resentment among Indian rulers and the population, contributing significantly to the discontent that culminated in the Revolt of 1857.

The annexation of Awadh was particularly sensitive because it involved deposing a Muslim ruler and was seen as a breach of faith by the British, despite the pretext of misgovernance. Many soldiers in the Company's army were from Awadh, and the annexation directly impacted their families and social structure, further fueling the unrest.