The annexation of which state under the Doctrine of Lapse was deeply linked with discontent before 1857?

Correct answer: Jhansi

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy used by the East India Company to annex certain princely states when their ruler died without a natural male heir. The Company often refused to recognise an adopted heir, even though adoption was accepted in Indian ruling traditions. This policy created strong resentment among rulers, soldiers, and people connected with the affected states. Jhansi became one of the clearest examples of this discontent.

After Maharaja Gangadhar Rao died, the Company refused to accept the adopted heir of Jhansi and annexed the state. Rani Lakshmibai strongly opposed this decision and later became one of the most important leaders of the 1857 uprising. Therefore, option D, Jhansi, is correct. Travancore, Mysore, and Hyderabad were not the state whose annexation under this policy became so closely linked with the events and discontent of 1857.