Explanations:The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by the British East India Company in the mid-19th century. It was a legal principle that allowed the British to annex any princely state or territory under their suzerainty if the ruler died without a male heir or was deemed incompetent. This policy was used to annex several Indian states, but not all. The key to understanding this question is to recognize which kingdom was already under British control before the Doctrine of Lapse was applied.
Delhi, the correct answer, was already under British control before the Doctrine of Lapse was applied. The British had taken control of Delhi after the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. This war, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant uprising against British rule in India. After the rebellion was suppressed, the British took direct control of Delhi and the Mughal Empire, which had been the nominal rulers of the region. Therefore, Delhi was not annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse, as it was already under British control.
On the other hand, Sambalpur, Udaipur, and Jhansi were all annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse. Sambalpur was annexed in 1849 when the ruler died without a male heir. Udaipur was annexed in 1858 under similar circumstances. Jhansi was annexed in 1854 when the ruler died without a male heir, leading to the famous uprising led by Rani Lakshmibai.
Understanding the Doctrine of Lapse and its application is crucial for comprehending the process of British annexation in India. The policy was a significant tool used by the British to expand their control over Indian territories, and it played a crucial role in the eventual annexation of many princely states. However, it is important to note that not all territories were annexed under this doctrine, and some were already under British control before the policy was applied.