Explore the Doctrine of Lapse, a British policy used to annex Indian states by denying adopted heirs succession. Learn about its implementation, the annexation of Awadh, and Lord Dalhousie’s role in expanding British power in India.
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Doctrine of Lapse
Introduction
The doctrine stated that the adopted son could inherit his foster father’s private property but not the state.
It was for the paramount power (the British) to decide whether to bestow the state on the adopted son or to annex it.
The doctrine was claimed to be based on Hindu law and Indian customs, though Hindu law was somewhat inconclusive on this point.
Instances of annexation by an Indian sovereign due to ‘lapse’ were rare.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Company in 1820 had annexed a few states on the absence of heirs, but no clear instance of depriving an adopted son of a state was recorded.
Annexation of Awadh
Awadh was the oldest state under the Subsidiary Alliance, with maladministration lasting for 80 years.
The people suffered from heavy taxes, illegal exactions, and chronic bankruptcy partly due to the charges for maintaining subsidiary troops.
Lord Dalhousie directed Sleeman to inspect the state; reports indicated anarchy, leading to Dalhousie’s decision to annex the state in 1856.
Wajid Ali Shah refused to sign a treaty giving away his rights and was exiled to Calcutta.
This decision was a political blunder that contributed to the Revolt of 1857.
Dalhousie’s Policy
Lord Dalhousie (1848-56) is associated with the Doctrine of Lapse, though he did not originate it.
Dalhousie’s term coincided with several cases where the Doctrine could be applied.
His predecessors generally avoided annexation, while Dalhousie zealously enforced annexation if it was feasible.
Annexed Lapsed States
During Dalhousie’s tenure, seven states were annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse due to rulers dying without male heirs.
Important annexations included Satara (1848), Jhansi, and Nagpur (1854).
Other states annexed were Jaitpur (Bundelkhand), Sambhalpur (Orissa), and Baghat (Madhya Pradesh).
Dalhousie also annexed Awadh in 1856, bringing the total to eight states and approximately a quarter million square miles of territory.
His tenure almost completed the expansion of British power in India, following the victory at Plassey in 1757.
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