Through the ________________ Dalhousie annexed Awadh for the British empire in India.

Correct option is C

Lord Dalhousie annexed Awadh under the pretext of maladministration. He argued that the Nawab of Awadh was mismanaging the state, which provided a justification for annexation under British rule. This policy was part of Dalhousie's larger plan of consolidating British control in India.
Important Key Points:
1. Doctrine of Lapse: Another policy by Dalhousie used to annex Indian states without a direct heir.
2. Subsidiary Alliance: A strategy where Indian rulers accepted British troops in return for protection.
3. Waging of War: Many states were annexed through direct military confrontation.
4. Awadh Annexation: Used maladministration as a pretext for annexation.
5. Impact: Led to widespread resentment and contributed to the 1857 Revolt.
6. British Policies: Reflected the expansionist strategies of the British Empire.
7. Historical Consequence: Altered the political landscape of India.
Information Booster:
 Policy of Subsidiary Alliance: Introduced by Lord Wellesley, used to expand British influence.
 Doctrine of Lapse: Used by Dalhousie to annex states without a male heir.
 State Being Maladministered: A pretext for annexation used in the case of Awadh.
 Waging of War: Direct military engagements were also a means of expansion.