The First War Of Independence

Question 1

What is meant by the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’?

Who introduced it?

Answer 1

This was a policy of annexation followed by Lord Dalhousie .The Doctrine meant that when at ruler of a dependent state died without a natural heir. the state passed on to the English Company

Question 2

Name any two states that fell victim to the Doctrine of Lapse.

Answer 2

Satara and Jhansi

Question 3

What was Nana Saheb’s grievance against the British?

Answer 3

The British had refused to recognise him as the legitimate heir to the throne of Peshwa Baji Rao II, because he was his adopted son.

Question 4

Under what pretext was Oudh annexed by the British?

Answer 4

Oudh was annexed to the Company’s dominions

on the grounds of maladministration.

Question 5

Mention any two activities that caused fear that the British Government was determined to convert Indians into Christians.

Answer 5

(i) The teaching of Christian doctrine was made compulsory in the schools.

(ii) “The Bible” was introduced in government

schools.

Question 6

Which is called India’s First War of Independence?

Answer 6

The Revolt of 1857