Doctrine of Lapse

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy used by the British East India Company in the 19th century. It stated that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, their territory would be taken over by the Company. This rule allowed the British to expand their control over India by annexing princely states. The policy led to significant resentment among Indian rulers and was one of the contributing factors to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as it threatened the traditional rights and sovereignty of local leaders.