The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy that aimed to

Question

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy that aimed to

1. A. Control the rebellions in the Princely States
2. B. Extend the military strength of the British
3. C. Regulate the landlords
4. D. Extend the territorial boundaries of the English East India Company (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Extend the territorial boundaries of the English East India Company

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Extend the territorial boundaries of the English East India Company.

Key Points

• The Doctrine of Lapse, implemented by Lord Dalhousie (1848–56), allowed the British East India Company to annex any princely state where the ruler died without a natural male heir.
• This expanded British territorial control significantly, annexing states like Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, and Awadh, fueling resentment that contributed to the 1857 Revolt.