Indian History: Doctrine of Lapse

Doctrine of Lapse

• Introduced by Lord Dalhousie as a policy for annexing Indian states.
• Aimed to expand British control over Indian territories by claiming states with rulers who died without a natural heir.
• Adopted sons of rulers were not permitted to ascend to the throne; instead, the state would be annexed to the British Empire.

Impacted States

• Jhansi and Satara are notable states that were annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse.

Nana Saheb and Peshwa Baji Rao II

• Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, was denied recognition as the rightful heir.
• British authorities, under Lord Dalhousie, rejected his claim and refused to grant him the pension due to his status as an adopted son.

Causes of the War

• The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also called the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant uprising against British colonial rule.
• Triggered by the Enfield rifle's introduction, which used greased cartridges offensive to Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
• Key contributing factors included:
  • Economic exploitation by the British East India Company.
  • Disregard for Indian customs and traditions.
  • Lack of Indian representation in government decisions.

Key Events of the War

• The rebellion ignited on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, where Indian soldiers attacked British officers and initiated a march to Delhi.
• Rebels declared Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, as the ruler of India.
• The uprising spread regionally, affecting cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
• The conflict lasted over a year, ending with the defeat of Indian forces.

Key Figures of the War

• Bahadur Shah Zafar: Last Mughal emperor, symbolizing rebellion as he was proclaimed emperor by insurgents.
• Mangal Pandey: An early freedom fighter, considered one of the first martyrs of India's independence movement.
• Rani Lakshmibai: Queen of Jhansi, notable for her leadership in regional resistance against British authority.
• Tantia Tope: An Indian leader crucial to the rebellion, who faced execution by British forces.

Consequences of the War

• Marked the end of the Mughal Empire and ushered in direct British governance of India.
• Dissolution of the British East India Company; control shifted directly to the British government.
• Restructuring of the Indian Army with increased recruitment of local soldiers.
• Shift in British governance philosophy, emphasizing greater respect for Indian customs and traditions.

Test your knowledge on the Doctrine of Lapse, a policy of annexation followed by Lord Dalhousie in British India, and its effects on various states.