The correct answer is option 3, Lord Dalhousie. The doctrine of lapse was introduced by Lord Dalhousie during his tenure as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. This policy was a controversial one, as it allowed the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states if they did not have a male heir to succeed the throne. According to the doctrine, the states would "lapse" or become a part of British India upon the death of a ruler without a natural heir. This policy was seen as a way for the British to gain control over more territories and increase their influence in India. However, it was met with opposition and criticism from Indian rulers and nationalists, as it undermined the autonomy of the princely states.