Previous Year Question
Dalhousie annexed Awadh to the British Empire in India through ______.
A.
The policy of Subsidiary Alliance
B.
By waging a war
C.
On the ground of disorder/misgovernment in the state
D.
Through the Doctrine of Lapse
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Awadh was annexed in 1856 under Lord Dalhousie on the
stated ground of ‘misgovernment’, not under the Doctrine of Lapse.
Government educational material published by NIOS explicitly states that Awadh was annexed on grounds of misgovernment.
NCERT, on the other hand, explains the Doctrine of Lapse
as a policy under which a kingdom could be annexed when its ruler died without a male heir recognised by the Company. The annexation of Awadh did not arise from such a succession issue. The British instead alleged maladministration and annexed Awadh in 1856.