INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -But the annexation of Oudh was surely the company’s and Dalhousie’s worst blunder. It proved disadvantageous for the English as the people of Oudh strongly participated in the Revolt of 1857. The English used their giant‘s strength and had injured their reputation in the eyes of the Indians.

Detailed explanation-2: -Doctrine of Lapse The most controversial and tainted ‘reform’ developed and implemented under Dalhousie was the policy of taking all legal (often illegal too) means possible to assume control over “lapsed” states.

Detailed explanation-3: -Awadh (1856) is widely believed to have been annexed under the doctrine, but in fact was annexed by Dalhousie under the pretext of mis-governance.

Detailed explanation-4: -One of the main reasons for the outbreak of the revolt was the policy of annexation pursued by the British. This policy led to the annexation of several native states, which made the people feel that their rights were being usurped. The Doctrine of Lapse was another major cause of the revolt.

Detailed explanation-5: -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 be administered and occupied by the British.