The question asks to identify the policy of Lord Dalhousie that led to the annexation of Indian princely states without a natural male heir, and which was a major political cause of the Revolt of 1857. We need to evaluate each option based on its historical context and impact.
Correct Option: D) Doctrine of Lapse — This policy was introduced by Lord Dalhousie. It stated that if a native ruler died without a natural male heir, his kingdom would lapse, i.e., become a part of the British territory. This policy was a major cause of discontent among Indian rulers and was a significant political factor leading to the Revolt of 1857.
The question asks to identify the Indian state annexed by Lord Dalhousie in 1856 on the grounds of 'misgovernment' and which subsequently became a major center of the 1857 Revolt. This requires knowledge of British annexation policies, specifically Lord Dalhousie's actions, and the causes and geography of the Revolt of 1857.
C) Awadh (Oudh) — Awadh was annexed by Lord Dalhousie in 1856 on the pretext of 'misgovernment'. This annexation deeply angered the local populace and the sepoys, making it a crucial center of the 1857 Revolt.
The question asks to identify the first Indian state annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the Doctrine of Lapse. This requires knowledge of the chronological order of annexations under this policy.
D) Satara — Satara was the first state to be annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the Doctrine of Lapse in 1848. This set a precedent for future annexations under this controversial policy.
The question asks to identify the Mughal Emperor who was declared 'Shahenshah-e-Hindustan' by the rebel sepoys in Delhi on May 11, 1857. This refers to a key event during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. We need to recall the last Mughal Emperor who was on the throne during that period.
Correct Option: C) Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal Emperor. He was proclaimed 'Shahenshah-e-Hindustan' by the rebel sepoys at Delhi on May 11, 1857, during the Indian Rebellion.
The question asks to identify the state annexed by the British on the grounds of 'misgovernment'. This refers to a specific policy used by the British East India Company to justify the annexation of Indian princely states.
Correct Option: D) Awadh was annexed by the British in 1856 on the grounds of alleged 'misgovernment' by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. This was a controversial move and a major cause of the 1857 Revolt.
The question asks to identify the last Peshwa whose adopted son, Nana Saheb, was denied pension by the British, leading to his involvement in the 1857 rebellion. This requires knowledge of the history of the Maratha Peshwas and the causes of the 1857 revolt.
Correct Option: D) Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa. His adopted son, Nana Saheb, was denied the pension by the British after Baji Rao II's death, which contributed to Nana Saheb's rebellion in 1857.