Lord Dalhousie was a British statesman who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is known for his significant role in expanding the British Empire in India through policies such as the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex territories of rulers who died without a male heir. His tenure also saw the introduction of important reforms in education, infrastructure, and the telegraph system. Dalhousie's administration faced criticism for its aggressive expansionist policies and the impact of the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, which was partly a reaction to British rule. Despite this, he is credited with modernizing India and laying the groundwork for future developments in the region.