UPSC Prelims 2004 Q31: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
Consider the following princely States of the British rule in India:
1. Jhansi
2. Sambalpur
3. Satara
The correct chronological order in which they were annexed by the British is
- (a) 1, 2, 3
- (b) 1, 3, 2
- (c) 3, 2, 1
- (d) 3, 1, 2
Answer: (c) 3, 2, 1
Explanation
Annexation of princely States under the Doctrine of Lapse
| State | Year of annexation |
|---|---|
| Satara | 1848 |
| Sambalpur | 1849 |
| Jhansi | 1853 |
The chronological order of annexation under the Doctrine of Lapse is Satara (1848) - Sambalpur (1849) - Jhansi (1853), which is the order 3, 2, 1 in the question.
Answer: (c) 3, 2, 1.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Jhansi was annexed last.
- (b) Incorrect. Jhansi was annexed last.
- (c) CORRECT. Satara, Sambalpur, Jhansi.
- (d) Incorrect. Sambalpur was annexed before Jhansi.
Key point
Doctrine of Lapse: Satara 1848, Jaitpur and Sambalpur 1849, Baghat 1850, Udaipur 1852, Jhansi 1853, Nagpur 1854.
Remember
Satara (1848) was annexed before Jhansi (1853).
Common mistakes
- Putting Jhansi first because of its fame.
- Mixing Dalhousie's annexations with Wellesley's.
- Forgetting that Satara was the first under the Doctrine of Lapse.
Exam tip
Dalhousie lapse list: Satara, Sambalpur, Jhansi, Nagpur.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Expansion and Consolidation of British Power: the Doctrine of Lapse)