What was doctrine of lapse? ?

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy implemented by the British East India Company in India in the mid-19th century. According to this policy, if a ruler of a princely state under British protection died without a natural heir, the state would be annexed by the British government. This policy was used to expand British control over Indian territories and increase their influence in the region. The Doctrine of Lapse was controversial and led to tensions between the British government and the Indian princely states.