The correct answer is option 2, Lord Dalhousie. The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie during his time as the Governor General of India. According to this policy, if a ruler of any princely state died without a natural heir, the state would be annexed by the British East India Company. This policy was based on the principle that the British had the right to govern any state that did not have a legitimate heir. Lord Dalhousie used this doctrine to annex several princely states, leading to widespread resentment and opposition among the Indian rulers. It was a major factor contributing to the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.