Understanding the Doctrine of Lapse and Indian Succession

The question asks about a significant policy formulated by a British Governor General in India concerning the issue of succession in Indian states during colonial rule. This policy had a major impact on the political map of India and contributed to the growing discontent against British rule. The policy is known as the Doctrine of Lapse.

What was the Doctrine of Lapse?

The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy extensively applied by the British East India Company in India. According to this doctrine, if an Indian ruler died without a natural male heir, his state would not pass to an adopted heir as sanctioned by ancient tradition but would "lapse" or be annexed by the British East India Company. This was in contrast to the traditional Indian practice where rulers could adopt a son to be their heir in the absence of a natural son.

Which Governor General Formulated the Doctrine of Lapse?

The Governor General credited with formulating and extensively implementing the Doctrine of Lapse was Lord Dalhousie. He served as the Governor General of India from 1848 to 1856. During his tenure, several states were annexed under this doctrine, including:

• Satara (1848)
• Sambalpur (1849)
• Udaipur (1852)
• Nagpur (1853)
• Jhansi (1854)

The annexation of these states, particularly Jhansi, contributed significantly to the unrest that culminated in the Revolt of 1857.

Examining the Other Options

Let's briefly look at the other options to understand why they are not associated with the Doctrine of Lapse:

• Lord Canning: Lord Canning was the Governor General of India from 1856 to 1862, succeeding Lord Dalhousie. He was the Governor General during the 1857 Revolt and became the first Viceroy of India after the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. While he dealt with the aftermath of the Doctrine of Lapse, he did not formulate it.
• Sir John Macpherson: Sir John Macpherson served as acting Governor General of Bengal from 1785 to 1786. His tenure was much earlier than the period when the Doctrine of Lapse was primarily applied.
• John Shore: John Shore (later Sir John Shore, Lord Teignmouth) was Governor General from 1793 to 1798. His period of governance was also much earlier than the formulation and implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse.

Summary of Governor Generals and Key Policies

Based on the historical records and the roles of these individuals, Lord Dalhousie is the Governor General directly associated with the formulation and implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse.

Revision Table: Key Governor Generals and Policies

Additional Information: Impact of Doctrine of Lapse

The Doctrine of Lapse was a significant tool for the British East India Company to expand its territory and consolidate power in India. It disregarded the long-standing Indian tradition of adoption for succession, leading to resentment among the ruling families and the general populace in the affected states. This policy is considered one of the major causes contributing to the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny or the Revolt of 1857. It demonstrated the Company's aggressive expansionist policy and its disrespect for Indian customs and sovereignty. The policy was discontinued after the Revolt of 1857 when the administration of India was taken over by the British Crown, and Indian rulers were assured that their right to adopt heirs would be respected.