Q1. Doctrine of Lapse was adopted as a measure to annex Indian states by
(a) Lord Cornwallis
(b) Lord Clive
(c) Lord Dalhousie
(d) Lord Wellesley
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British East India Company to annex princely states if the ruler died without a male heir, undermining native sovereignty.