Lord Dalhousie
Explanation
The "Doctrine of Lapse" was an aggressive annexation policy applied by the British East India Company. It stipulated that if the ruler of a dependent or protected state died without a natural male heir, the state would not pass to an adopted heir but would "lapse" (revert) to the paramount power, i.e., the British.
Historical Analysis:
- Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856): He is the Governor-General associated with the formulation and extensive application of the Doctrine of Lapse. He used this instrument to annex several Indian states, starting with Satara (1848), followed by Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849), Baghat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
- Lord Wellesley (1798–1805): He devised the Subsidiary Alliance system, which was an earlier method of establishing British paramountcy over Indian states.
- Lord Hastings (1813–1823): He is known for the policy of Paramountcy and the suppression of the Pindaris, but not the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Lord Canning (1856–1862): He served as the Governor-General during the Revolt of 1857 and became the first Viceroy of India. The Doctrine of Lapse was officially withdrawn during his tenure to appease Indian princes after the revolt.
Key Takeaway: Lord Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse to expand British territory by denying the right of succession to adopted heirs in dependent states.