Which kingdom was described by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie as "A cherry
that will drop into our mouth one day"?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Awadh.
Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, described Awadh (Oudh) as "a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day." This statement reflects his strategy of annexation through the Doctrine of Lapse and other policies aimed at expanding British control in India. Awadh was seen as a rich and strategically important region. Eventually, in 1856, the British annexed Awadh under the pretext of misgovernance, marking a critical event leading up to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Information Booster:
Doctrine of Lapse by Lord Dalhousie:
The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, during the period of 1848 to 1856.
This policy allowed the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states if the ruler died without a direct male heir.
Notable Annexations Under the Doctrine:
Satara (1848): The first state to be annexed under this policy.
Jhansi (1853): One of the most significant states annexed, where Rani Lakshmibai famously resisted the British during the Revolt of 1857.
Nagpur (1854): Annexed following the death of the ruler with no male heir.
Awadh (1856): Though not technically under the Doctrine of Lapse, Awadh was annexed on grounds of misgovernance and political reasons.