What was the policy of the 'Doctrine of Lapse' that caused discontent among Indian rulers before the rebellion of 1857?

Correct option is C

The correct option is: (c) The British could annex a princely state if the ruler did not have a natural/biological heir

• Introduced byLord Dalhousie, theDoctrine of Lapseallowed theBritish East India Companyto annex any princely state where the ruler diedwithout a natural heir.

• The adopted heirs werenot recognized, which led to widespread resentment and was a majortrigger for the 1857 revolt.

• States Annexed: Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, and others.

• Notable Case: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi protested against this policy.

• Impact: Undermined traditional succession rights and princely authority.

• Adoption acceptancewas a custom in Indian princely states.

• The policy ignored local traditions and was seen as a directattack on sovereignty.

• Subsidies and courtswere unrelated to the doctrine.