Introduction
Between 1848 to 1856, Lord Dalhousie, whose real name was James Andrew Ramsay, presided as India’s governor-general. By using the doctrine of lapse, he annexed numerous states. During his tenure, the first railway line connecting Bombay and Thane was inaugurated in 1853, and the following year, a telegraph link was established between Calcutta and Agra. He also instituted P.W.D. and passed the Widow Remarriage Act (1856), among other measures.
Significant Events During Dalhousie Tenure
Second Anglo-Sikh War(1848-49)
The Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849), which resulted in the annexation of Punjab and the end of the Sikh Kingdom, was the first significant struggle during the early years of Lord Dalhousie’s reign.
- To monitor the implementation of the Treaty of Lahore’s policies, Sir Henry Lawrence was chosen in the Lahore Darbar.
- Due to a sickness, he left England, and the Lahore Durbar appointed Sir Frederick Currie as his replacement.
Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852-53)
On February 24, 1826, Burma and the East India Company signed the Treaty of Yandaboo, ending the First Anglo-Burmese War. The war’s course was as follows:
- The relationships remained cordial for the following 20 years, but the Burmese Kings were annoyed by the English merchants who began pouring into the nation and settling there.
- The struggle came to a conclusion without a treaty being signed in January 1853 when a proclamation of annexation was read out.
- Due to this war, Pegu changed its name to Lower Burma and gave the British Empire control of the region. There was now British control from Singapore to Chittagong in the east.
Doctrine Of Lapse
Dalhousie established the Doctrine of Lapse, which prohibited such monarchs from adopting a son to ascend to their thrones and stated that the British would take over Indian nations if there was no natural heir.
- According to this doctrine, on account of the failure of natural heirs, sovereignty passes on to the British. Dalhauise found it a convenient way of extending the Company’s territories.
- However, this doctrine was not originally developed by Dalhousie.
Evaluation Of Dalhousie Tenure
There is substantial debate surrounding his assessment. He was in charge of bringing about many contemporary changes.
- He played an important role in the establishment of India’s railways, telegraph, and postal systems, as well as its public works system.
- He oversaw the completion of the Ganga Canal.
- Lord Dalhousie is sometimes referred to as the “Maker of Modern India.” Additionally, Lord Dalhousie founded numerous Anglo-Vernacular schools in India.
- He also implemented social reforms, like outlawing the practise of killing female infants.
- He was adamant that Indian administrative structures needed to be replaced and that Western changes were both essential and preferable.
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Conclusion
He is credited for establishing East India Company dominance in India, laying the groundwork for its later governance, and assisting his successors in putting down the revolt by enacting prudent policies. He ruled India before the nation entered the Victorian Raj period of governance.
Dalhousie FAQs
Q1. What did Lord Dalhousie’s growth from 1848 to 1856 entail?
Ans. By using the doctrine of lapse, he annexed numerous states. During his administration, the first railway line between Bombay and Thane was inaugurated in 1853, and the following year a telegraph link was established between Calcutta and Agra. He also instituted P.W.D. and passed the Widow Remarriage Act (1856), among other measures.
Q2. Which Indian state was the first to annex territory under the Dalhousie Doctrine of Lapse?
Ans. As there was no male heir present when the state’s king passed away in 1848, Satara became the first state to be annexed under the doctrine of lapse.
Q3. Which states came under the Doctrine of Lapse?
Ans. Satara (1848), Jaipur and Sambalpur (1849), Bhagat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854) were the next states to be annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse.
