Examine the elements that influenced the emergence of nationalist sentiment and the early expressions of the Indian independence movement.
The Doctrine of Lapse: A Tool for Annexation Definition: The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy that allowed the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states that were facing financial difficulties or were unable to maintain their own armies. Significance: Conquest of Princely StatRead more
The Doctrine of Lapse: A Tool for Annexation
Definition: The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy that allowed the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states that were facing financial difficulties or were unable to maintain their own armies.
Significance:
- Conquest of Princely States: The Doctrine of Lapse enabled the British to annex over 150 princely states, expanding their territorial control over India.
- Weakening of Indian Kingdoms: The policy weakened the Indian kingdoms by limiting their ability to maintain their own armies and economies, making them vulnerable to British conquest.
- Expansion of British Power: The Doctrine of Lapse contributed to the expansion of British power and influence in India, solidifying their position as the dominant colonial power.
Application in Annexation:
- Financial Crisis: The British would use the doctrine to annex states that were facing financial difficulties, claiming that they were unable to manage their finances effectively.
- Absence of Successor: The doctrine would also be applied if there was no clear successor to a ruler, allowing the British to claim the state as their own.
- Military Intervention: In cases where the state was unable to maintain its own army, the British would use military intervention to annex the state.
Recent Examples:
- The Annexation of Hyderabad: The British annexed the princely state of Hyderabad in 1948, using the Doctrine of Lapse as a pretext. The state was merged into the Indian Union after a military operation.
- The Annexation of Kashmir: The British also annexed Kashmir in 1846, using the doctrine to justify their action. The state was later partitioned between India and Pakistan.
Key Points:
- British Imperialism: The Doctrine of Lapse was a tool used by the British East India Company to expand their territorial control over India and assert their dominance over Indian kingdoms.
- Impact on Indian History: The doctrine had a significant impact on Indian history, contributing to the weakening of Indian kingdoms and paving the way for British colonial rule.
- Continuing Legacy: The legacy of the Doctrine of Lapse continues to be felt in India today, with many princely states still maintaining their own identities and cultural traditions.
Indian Independence movement began to take shape in its nascent form during the early part of the 18th and 19th centuries before developing into a mass movement in the 20th century. Factors for rise of national sentiment and early manifestation of Indian Independence movement includes: Political disRead more
Indian Independence movement began to take shape in its nascent form during the early part of the 18th and 19th centuries before developing into a mass movement in the 20th century.
Factors for rise of national sentiment and early manifestation of Indian Independence movement includes:
- Political disintegration: British policies such as Doctrine of Lapse displaced the local rulers and disturbed political loyalties and alliances. This created distrust and disaffection towards the British.
- Social disharmony: The indiscriminate destruction of the Indian justice systems and perpetuating decay of religious systems led to destruction of social fabric.
- Economic distress: The agriculture productivity decreased and exploitative revenue and taxation policies of the colonisers impoverished the agriculturalists.
- Cultural alienation: English language was promoted in education and employment replacing local languages which led to loss of indigenous knowledge systems and cultural identities.
- Influential leaders: Leaders such as Raja Rammohun Roy, Maharani Laxmi Bai, Tantya Tope, etc. emerged on to the national scene to awaken the conscience of the Indian people.
- Inspiration from abroad: The French Revolution and European Revolutions of 1848, inspired generation of people to struggle for their rights. Also, the rise of Japan gave confidence to Indians.
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