The correct answer is A) Travancore.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy in India under which a princely state would be annexed by the British if the ruler died without a male heir. This policy was used by the British to annex a number of princely states, including Travancore.
Travancore was a princely state in southern India that was ruled by a Hindu dynasty. The state was founded in the 11th century and had a long history of independence. However, in the 19th century, the British began to exert pressure on Travancore to accede to British rule. In 1817, the British signed a treaty with Travancore that gave them control over the state’s foreign affairs. In 1839, the British annexed the state of Cochin, which was located to the north of Travancore. This annexation increased British pressure on Travancore to accede to British rule.
In 1853, the ruler of Travancore died without a male heir. The British used the Doctrine of Lapse to annex Travancore. The annexation of Travancore was met with protests from the people of the state. However, the British were able to suppress the protests and establish control over the state.
The annexation of Travancore was a major turning point in the history of India. It marked the beginning of the end of the independence of the princely states. The Doctrine of Lapse was also used by the British to annex a number of other princely states, including Baroda, Gwalior, and Indore.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial policy. It was seen by many as a violation of the rights of the princely states. The policy was also criticized for being arbitrary and discriminatory. The Doctrine of Lapse was finally abolished in 1858 after the Indian Rebellion.