What was the policy of "doctrine of lapse"?

A. States were allowed to adopt son as an heir

B. States were not allowed to adopt son as an heir

C. According to this system, every ruler in India had to accept to pay a subsidy to the British for the maintenance of British army

D. None of these

Answer: Option B

Solution(By Examveda Team)

This doctrine was based on the idea that in case a ruler of dependent state died childless, the right of ruling over the State reverted or 'lapsed' to the sovereign.