Q. With reference to the Doctrine of Lapse, consider the following statements:
1.It asserted that a dependent state would “lapse” to the Paramount Power if the ruler died without a natural heir, effectively denying the right of adoption for the purpose of succession.
2.The doctrine made a clear distinction between the “private property” of the ruler, which could be inherited by an adopted son, and the “political state,” which could not.
3.Lord Dalhousie was the original creator of this doctrine and used it for the first time in Indian history to annex Satara.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. The doctrine was based on the idea that subordinate states required the consent of the British (the Paramount Power) to recognize an adoption for political succession.
Statement 2: Correct. An adopted son could still inherit the late Raja’s personal wealth and titles, but he would not be recognized as the sovereign of the territory.
Statement 3: Incorrect. Dalhousie did not invent the doctrine; it had been used sporadically by the East India Company since the 1830s. However, Dalhousie was the first to apply it systematically and aggressively as a matter of official policy.
