The correct answer is: a) Annexation of princely states without a male heir.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy that stated that any Indian princely state whose ruler died without a male heir would be annexed by the British East India Company. The policy was introduced in 1856 by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, and was used to annex a number of princely states, including Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi.
The Doctrine of Lapse was controversial at the time, and it is still debated today. Some historians argue that the policy was necessary to maintain British control over India, while others argue that it was an unjust and arbitrary way to annex Indian territory.
The Doctrine of Lapse was finally abolished in 1870, after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. However, the policy had a lasting impact on the relationship between the British and the Indian princely states.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option a) is the correct answer. The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy that stated that any Indian princely state whose ruler died without a male heir would be annexed by the British East India Company.
- Option b) is incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse did not lead to the confiscation of zamindaris. Zamindaris were a type of land tenure system in India, and they were not affected by the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Option c) is incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse did not lead to the suppression of rebellions. In fact, the policy was used to annex a number of princely states that had rebelled against British rule.
- Option d) is incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse did not lead to the introduction of land reforms. The policy was not concerned with land reform, and it did not have any impact on the Indian land tenure system.