The correct answer is: a) Jhansi.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy that stated that if a princely state had no male heir, the British would annex the state. This policy was used to annex several princely states, including Jhansi.
Jhansi was a princely state in India that was ruled by the Maratha clan. In 1853, the ruler of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao, died without a male heir. The British then annexed Jhansi, which led to resentment among the rulers and subjects of the state.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a controversial policy that was seen by many as a violation of the rights of the princely states. It was one of the factors that led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Awadh (Oudh) was annexed by the British in 1856, but not using the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Mysore was annexed by the British in 1799, but not using the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Gwalior was annexed by the British in 1843, but not using the Doctrine of Lapse.