Which kingdom was described by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie as "A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day"?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

CDS-II (General Knowledge) Official Paper (Held On: 01 Sept, 2024)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Awadh.

Key PointsExplanation of Lord Dalhousie's Statement

Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is known for his expansionist policies and the implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse.
The statement "A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day" reflects Dalhousie's belief that the kingdom of Awadh would eventually be annexed by the British East India Company without much effort.
Awadh was a region in northern India that was known for its wealth and strategic importance.
Dalhousie justified the annexation of Awadh on the grounds of misgovernance and the supposed inability of the Nawab to maintain order and proper administration.
In 1856, Awadh was formally annexed by the British, leading to widespread discontent and contributing to the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Additional Information

Doctrine of Lapse: This was a policy applied by Lord Dalhousie that allowed the British East India Company to annex any princely state or territory where the ruler did not have a legitimate male heir. This policy led to the annexation of several states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur.
Indian Rebellion of 1857: Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, this was a major uprising against British rule. The annexation of Awadh and other territories under the Doctrine of Lapse were significant factors contributing to the discontent that led to the rebellion.
Wajid Ali Shah: He was the last Nawab of Awadh, known for his patronage of arts and culture. His deposition and the annexation of Awadh were seen as acts of betrayal and injustice by many Indians.
Impact of Annexation: The annexation of Awadh had significant socio-political and economic impacts. It led to the displacement of the ruling class and the integration of the region into the British administrative framework, altering the traditional structures of power and governance.