The question asks to identify the Governor-General most associated with the policy of annexation that significantly contributed to the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857. This requires knowledge of the British Governor-Generals in India and their key policies, particularly those related to territorial expansion and their impact on Indian states.
C) Lord Dalhousie
Lord Dalhousie served as Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is widely regarded as the most aggressive annexationist among all Governor-Generals. His policies, particularly the Doctrine of Lapse, led to the annexation of several prominent Indian states like Satara, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, Baghat, Udaipur, Nagpur, and Jhansi. Additionally, he annexed Awadh (Oudh) in 1856 on the pretext of misgovernance. These widespread annexations caused immense resentment among Indian rulers and the populace, directly contributing to the unrest that culminated in the Revolt of 1857.
The question asks to identify the deposed Nawab of Awadh whose son's name was used by Begum Hazrat Mahal to lead the revolt at Lucknow during the 1857 uprising. This requires knowledge of the historical figures involved in the Revolt of 1857, specifically in the Awadh region.
Correct Option: C) Wajid Ali Shah was the last Nawab of Awadh. He was deposed by the British in 1856. His wife, Begum Hazrat Mahal, led the revolt in Lucknow during the 1857 uprising in the name of their minor son, Birjis Qadr.
The question asks about the specific event or act that led to the withdrawal of the Doctrine of Lapse after the Revolt of 1857. This requires knowledge of the administrative and political changes that occurred in British India following the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
Correct Option: A) Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858 directly addressed the grievances that led to the Revolt of 1857, including the Doctrine of Lapse. The Proclamation declared an end to territorial annexations, thus effectively withdrawing the Doctrine of Lapse.
The question asks to identify the British policy under which Indian princely states maintained British troops within their territory, with the cost borne by the state. We need to recall the key features of various British administrative and expansionist policies in India.
Correct Option: C) Subsidiary Alliance
The question asks to identify the specific act by the British that disrespected the Mughal dynasty just before the Revolt of 1857. This requires knowledge of the British policies towards the Mughals in the mid-19th century.
D) The decision that successors of Bahadur Shah II would not use the imperial title and would vacate the Red Fort was a direct and significant act of disrespect by the British just before the Revolt of 1857. These policies aimed to completely erase the symbolic authority of the Mughal Emperor, which deeply offended both the royal family and many Indians who still viewed the Emperor as a legitimate figurehead.
The question asks to identify the Maratha state whose annexation in 1853 under the Doctrine of Lapse particularly angered the Maratha aristocracy. This requires knowledge of British colonial policies in India, specifically the Doctrine of Lapse, and its application to various princely states.
D) Nagpur — The annexation of Nagpur in 1853 under the Doctrine of Lapse was a major event that significantly contributed to the resentment against British rule, especially among the Maratha aristocracy. Nagpur was a prominent Maratha state, and its annexation without a direct male heir was widely perceived as unjust and a violation of traditional succession rights.