What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
Social StudiesClass 8CBSEAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of Jhansi. She had adopted a son. Hence, she wanted her son to be the ruler of Jhansi. However, according to Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse policy, an adopted heir would not be allowed to acquire the kingdom once the father died, and the same would be annexed by the British. Hence, Rani Lakshmibai’s demand to recognise her adopted son as the male heir of the kingdom was refused by the British.
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