Lord Dalhousie served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is known for his aggressive expansionist policies, modernization efforts, and administrative reforms. His tenure played a crucial role in shaping British rule in India.
Key Policies & Contributions
1. Doctrine of Lapse
✅ A policy stated that if a princely state’s ruler died without a male heir, the British annexed the state.
✅ Many states were annexed, including:
- Satara (1848)
- Sambalpur (1850)
- Jhansi (1853)
- Nagpur (1854)
✅ This policy caused resentment among Indian rulers and was one of the causes of the Revolt of 1857.
👉 Effect: Expanded British territory but increased opposition to British rule.
2. Annexation of Punjab (1849)
✅ After the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49), Punjab was annexed into British India.
✅ The Sikh Empire under Maharaja Dalip Singh was dissolved.
👉 Effect: Strengthened British control in North India.
3. Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852)
✅ Dalhousie waged war against Burma, leading to the annexation of Lower Burma into British India.
👉 Effect: Extended British control in the east.
4. Introduction of Railways (1853)
✅ First railway line in India: Mumbai to Thane (1853), covering 34 km.
✅ Dalhousie promoted railways for transport, trade, and military purposes.
👉 Effect: Laid the foundation for India’s modern transportation system.
5. Introduction of Telegraph (1853–1854)
✅ Established first telegraph line (1853) from Calcutta to Agra (800 miles).
✅ Helped in quick communication, improving administration and military response.
👉 Effect: Strengthened British governance in India.
6. Introduction of Postal System (1854)
✅ Established the modern postal system with a uniform postage system.
✅ First postage stamp in India (1854) introduced.
👉 Effect: Improved communication across India.
7. Wood’s Despatch on Education (1854)
✅ Laid the foundation for modern education in India.
✅ Promoted English-language education in schools and colleges.
✅ Established universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras (1857).
👉 Effect: Strengthened British influence in Indian education.
8. Public Works Department (1854)
✅ Started the Public Works Department (PWD) for infrastructure development.
✅ Constructed roads, bridges, and irrigation canals.
👉 Effect: Helped in trade, agriculture, and British control over India.
Comparison of Lord Dalhousie with Other Governors-General
| Governor-General | Major Contributions |
|---|---|
| Lord Wellesley (1798–1805) | Subsidiary Alliance, Anglo-Mysore War, Anglo-Maratha War |
| Lord Hastings (1813–1823) | Third Anglo-Maratha War, Pindari War, Anglo-Nepal War |
| Lord William Bentinck (1828–1835) | Abolition of Sati, English Education, Thuggee Suppression |
| Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856) | Doctrine of Lapse, Railways, Telegraph, Public Works |
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which Governor-General introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Lord Hastings
c) Lord Dalhousie
d) Lord Canning
✅ Answer: c) Lord Dalhousie - Which Indian state was annexed first under the Doctrine of Lapse?
a) Jhansi
b) Nagpur
c) Satara
d) Awadh
✅ Answer: c) Satara - In which year was the first railway line in India introduced?
a) 1833
b) 1853
c) 1863
d) 1873
✅ Answer: b) 1853 - Which war led to the annexation of Punjab under Lord Dalhousie?
a) First Anglo-Sikh War
b) Second Anglo-Sikh War
c) Third Anglo-Burmese War
d) Revolt of 1857
✅ Answer: b) Second Anglo-Sikh War - Which educational reform was introduced by Lord Dalhousie?
a) Macaulay’s Minute
b) Wood’s Despatch
c) Hunter Commission
d) Wardha Scheme
✅ Answer: b) Wood’s Despatch
Conclusion
Lord Dalhousie was one of the most influential Governor-Generals of India. His expansionist Doctrine of Lapse, railway development, and educational reforms played a key role in shaping modern India but also fueled resentment leading to the Revolt of 1857.
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