Doctrine of Lapse

Definition

An annexation policy applied by Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General, 1848 to 1856) under which a princely state would "lapse" to the British if its ruler died without a natural heir, with adopted heirs not recognised.

Key points

• Used to annex Satara (1848, the first), Jaitpur, Sambalpur, Jhansi (1853), Nagpur (1854), and others.
• Awadh (Oudh) was annexed in 1856 on the ground of alleged misgovernment, not the lapse rule, but it added to resentment.
• The denial of adopted heirs angered rulers and is counted among the political causes of the Revolt of 1857; Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a direct victim.
• The British Crown formally abandoned the doctrine after the 1857 revolt, via Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858, which assured rulers their states would be respected.

Why it matters for CAPF

It is a named political cause of the Revolt of 1857 and a high-frequency Dalhousie-era fact, often paired with the states annexed under it.

Common confusion

Awadh was annexed for "misgovernment" (1856), not under the Doctrine of Lapse; the doctrine applied to states without a natural heir.

Parent note

advent of europeans and british conquest