Question

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> According to the Doctrine of Lapse, in what situation(s) would the state become a British possession?

• A. Without a natural heir.
• B. With an adopted heir.
• C. With a natural heir.
• D. In case of no heir.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

In case of no heir.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse was a formula devised to deal with questions of succession to Hindu Indian states. The Hindu law allowed a Hindu king to adopt a child to become his successor. According to the Doctrine of Lapse, the king had to take permission of the Company before doing so. The British refused to accept adopted children become heirs; any state without a natural heir automatically entered the British possession.