In addition to Awadh, which of the following were the other territories annexed by the
British under various pretexts?

The correct answer is Jhansi and Satara.

Key Points

• The British annexed Jhansi and Satara under the Doctrine of Lapse, a policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie.
• The Doctrine of Lapse stated that any princely state or territory without a legitimate male heir would be annexed by the British East India Company.
• Satara was annexed in 1848, marking one of the first applications of the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Jhansi was annexed in 1854, following the death of Raja Gangadhar Rao and the rejection of Rani Lakshmibai's claim to the throne.
• This policy led to widespread resentment among Indian rulers, contributing to the grievances that fueled the 1857 Revolt.

Additional Information

• Doctrine of Lapse:
  • It was devised by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856.
  • The policy allowed the British to annex states where rulers died without a direct male heir.
  • It was considered a direct attack on Indian sovereignty and traditional succession practices.
  • Other territories annexed under this doctrine included Nagpur, Sambalpur, and Jaitpur.
• Awadh Annexation:
  • Awadh was annexed in 1856 under the pretext of misgovernance.
  • Lord Dalhousie accused Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of failing to govern effectively, justifying British intervention.
  • This annexation was a major cause of unrest leading to the 1857 Revolt.
• 1857 Revolt:
  • Known as India's First War of Independence, it was triggered by multiple grievances, including the Doctrine of Lapse and Awadh's annexation.
  • Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi became a prominent leader in the revolt.
  • The uprising marked the beginning of Indian resistance against British rule.
• Lord Dalhousie's Policies:
  • Besides the Doctrine of Lapse, Dalhousie implemented reforms like railway construction, postal services, and telegraph systems.
  • His policies were seen as both modernizing and exploitative by the Indian population.