History Ch - 2 From Trade to Territory (The Company Establishes Power) — Social Studies STD 8 — Question

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy of annexation followed by the British East India Company. It was introduced by Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General from 1848-1856). 
The doctrine state that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would lapse and automatically become part of the East India company's territories.