The correct option is D extend the territorial boundaries of the English East India Company
The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was introduced by Lord Dalhousie who was the Governor-General of the East India Company. It was basically, an idea to annex those states which have no heir. The right of ruling the state get lapsed if there is no heir and it will not reverted by adoption.Some of the states annexed due to this policy were the states of Satara, Jaipur, Sambhalpur, Udaipur, Jhansi, etc.