Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The "Doctrine of Lapse" was an annexation policy devised by the British East India Company.
The policy stated that any Indian princely state under the suzerainty of the Company would be annexed if its ruler died without a natural-born male heir.
Importantly, the British refused to recognize "adopted heirs," which was a long-standing tradition in Indian succession law.
This policy was a tool for territorial expansion and the consolidation of British power.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, was the most aggressive proponent of this doctrine.
Dalhousie believed that "extinction of all native states of India is just a matter of time" and that direct British rule was superior to the indirect rule of Indian princes.
Through this doctrine, he significantly expanded the map of British India.
Key states annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse included:
1. Satara (1848) - The first state to be annexed.
2. Sambalpur (1849)
3. Udaipur (1852)
4. Jhansi (1853) - This led to the heroic resistance of Rani Lakshmibai.
5. Nagpur (1854)
Additionally, Dalhousie annexed Awadh in 1856 on the grounds of "misgovernance," which, combined with the Doctrine of Lapse, created massive resentment.
This widespread dissatisfaction among the ruling elite and the displacement of Indian nobility were major political triggers for the Revolt of 1857.
In contrast:
(A) Lord Hastings (1813–1823) followed a policy of "Paramountcy."
(C) Lord Wellesley (1798–1805) introduced the "Subsidiary Alliance" system.
(D) Lord Canning (1856–1862) was the last Governor-General who had to deal with the 1857 Revolt and subsequently withdrew the Doctrine of Lapse via the Queen's Proclamation of 1858.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Lord Dalhousie is the Governor-General synonymous with the aggressive implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse, leading to the annexation of several key Indian states.
Thus, option (B) is the correct answer.