Question

How did the Doctrine of Lapse lead to discontentment among Indian rulers?

Answer 1

According to Indian tradition, Kings were expected to adopt an heir to the throne, if they did not have a son of their own. This tradition was not acceptable to the British. The Governor General, Lord Dalhousie introduced a new policy known as the Doctrine of Lapse. According to this policy, if the king did not have any natural born heir, then the Kingdom would 'lapse' to the British or would bo administered and occupied by the British.