The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, during the British colonial rule in India. This policy dictated that if a ruler of an Indian princely state died without a male heir, the state would be annexed by the British East India Company. The Doctrine of Lapse had significant implications for the political landscape of India, as it allowed the British to expand their territories by annexing princely states without a legitimate heir.
The British expansion strategy in India involved adopting a pro-imperialist approach, where the absence of a legitimate heir or ruler resulted in the automatic transfer of the state to British control. The doctrine of lapse was a strategy employed by the East India Company in the Indian subcontinent, targeting princely states starting in 1859. It was justified by claiming that the rulers of these states had not adequately safeguarded their people from “external aggression and internal rebellion”. This policy remained in effect until 1859, even after Company rule was succeeded by the British Raj.
The doctrine of lapse was initially put into practice in Satara in 1848, following the death of its ruler without a male heir. The East India Company annexed the state on the grounds that its ruler had failed to protect his people from external threats. This action set a precedent for similar annexations of other princely states over the following decade.
Tradition of Adoption: Before this ideology was introduced, princely states followed a tradition of adopting heirs. An heir apparent would be chosen from a group of candidates called bhajans and groomed for succession from a young age. These adoptions aimed to secure a competent successor for the throne.
Direct Control over Indian States: According to the Doctrine of Lapse, any princely state under the sovereignty of the East India Company could face annexation if the ruler failed to produce a legitimate male successor. This included states directly or indirectly controlled by the East India Company, where the ruler’s adopted son couldn’t be recognized as the legitimate heir.
Rejection of Adoption: With the implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse, traditional adoption practices were rejected. Lord Dalhousie asserted the paramount power’s right to approve adoptions, leading to the annexation of states without a direct natural or adopted heir by the British.
Impact on Indian Mutiny and Revolt of 1857: These policies caused alarm and resentment among Indian rulers and the old nobility, contributing significantly to the discontent that led to the Indian Mutiny of 1857 and the widespread revolt against British rule.
States Annexed under Doctrine of Lapse
The Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of several princely states by the British during the 19th century:
- Satara (1848): Satara, a princely state established after the Third Anglo-Maratha War, was annexed by the British in 1849 because its ruler had no heir.
- Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849): Jaitpur and Sambalpur were acquired by the British in 1849 due to the absence of direct male heirs in their ruling families.
- Baghat (1850): Baghat was treated as a lapsed state after the death of its ruler in 1739, leading to its annexation by the British in 1850.
- Udaipur (1852): Initially annexed, Udaipur was later returned to its rulers by Lord Canning.
- Jhansi (1853): Jhansi, ruled by the Maratha Newalkar family, came under British control in 1853 after the death of its ruler without a male heir.
- Nagpur (1854): Nagpur, ruled by the Maratha Bhonsle Maharajas, was annexed by the British in 1854 after entering into a subsidiary alliance following the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818.
Effect of Doctrine of Lapse
- Loss of Independence: Many Indian states lost their independence due to British colonization, causing dissatisfaction among Indian princes.
- Role in Indian Revolt: The Doctrine of Lapse was seen as unjust, contributing to the Indian Revolt of 1857.
- Issues with Indian Leaders: Leaders like Nana Sahib and the Rani of Jhansi faced problems with the British, such as the discontinuation of pensions and denial of succession rights.
- Criticism of Dalhousie: Governor-General Dalhousie’s leadership during the revolt was criticized, as his policies were seen as exacerbating tensions.
- Growing Criticism: Over time, there was increasing criticism of the Doctrine of Lapse, with figures like Surendra Sai speaking out against it.
The British initially came to India for trade but ended up expanding their power through strategies like the Doctrine of Lapse. This policy aimed to increase British dominance and profits but ultimately led to discontent and resistance among Indians. The events surrounding the Doctrine of Lapse contributed to the underlying causes of the 1857 revolt against British rule.
Also read about Subsidiary Alliance.