Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A : The 'Doctrine of Lapse' formulated by Governor-General Dalhousie disregarded the right of an adopted heir to the throne and the state automatically lapsed into British dominion if the ruler died without any biological natural heir. Reason R : The Doctrine of Lapse was one part of Dalhousie's programme of bringing a unified India under strict control by doing away with alternative sovereignties held by Indian rulers and princes. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

- Assertion A: This statement accurately defines the Doctrine of Lapse. It was an annexation policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. It decreed that if the ruler of a princely state died without a natural biological male heir, the state would not pass to an adopted son (unless the adoption was previously approved by the British, which was rarely granted for ruling families) but would instead "lapse" or be annexed by the British East India Company. - Reason R: This statement correctly describes Dalhousie's broader policy objectives. Dalhousie was a fervent imperialist who aimed at consolidating British power in India by extending direct British rule. The Doctrine of Lapse was one of his primary methods, along with annexation on grounds of misgovernment (like Awadh) and outright conquest (like Punjab), to eliminate the semi-autonomous existence of princely states and integrate their territories into British India, thereby creating a more unified and centrally controlled dominion. The Doctrine of Lapse was a tool used specifically to "do away with alternative sovereignties held by Indian rulers and princes" (R) by implementing the policy described in A. - Relationship: Reason R explains the strategic purpose behind the implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse (A). The Doctrine of Lapse was a means (A) to achieve the goal (R) of consolidating British control and eliminating native principalities. Therefore, R correctly explains A.