Explanation: The Doctrine of Lapse was a significant policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General of India, in 1848. This policy was a strategic move by the British to expand their control over Indian princely states. According to the Doctrine of Lapse, if an Indian ruler died without a natural heir (a direct male descendant), the British would annex the state, rather than allowing it to be inherited by a collateral heir or adopted heir. This policy was used to annex several princely states, including Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, and others.
However, not all princely states were affected by the Doctrine of Lapse. The policy was not applied uniformly across all states. For instance, Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam, was not annexed under this policy. The Nizam of Hyderabad had a natural heir, and the British did not apply the Doctrine of Lapse to Hyderabad. The state remained independent until the partition of India in 1947, when it eventually joined the Indian Union.
The other states mentioned in the options were indeed annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse. Jaipur (Amber), Sambalpur, and Udaipur (Mewar) all had rulers who died without natural heirs, leading to their annexation by the British. The annexation of these states was a significant part of the British strategy to consolidate their control over India.
Understanding the Doctrine of Lapse and its application is crucial for comprehending the broader context of British colonial policy in India. It highlights the strategic and often ruthless methods used by the British to expand their control over the subcontinent. The policy also underscores the complex political landscape of 19th-century India, where the balance of power between the British and the princely states was constantly shifting.
In summary, the correct answer is Hyderabad, as it was not annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse due to the presence of a natural heir. This case serves as an important exception to the policy, illustrating the nuanced application of British colonial strategies in India.