Question

The annexation of Awadh displaced not just the nawab, but also disposed the taluqdars of the region, causing breakdown of an entire social order’ Critically examine the statement

Answer 1

Lord Dalhousie’s annexations created disaffection in all the areas and principalities that were annexed but nowhere more so than in the kingdom of Awadh in the heart of North India. 

• The takeover of Awadh in 1856 was expected to complete a process of territorial annexation. 
• Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned and exiled to Calcutta on the plea that the region was being misgoverned. 
• This emotional upheaval was aggravated by immediate material losses. The removal of the Nawab led to the dissolution of the court and its culture. Thus, a whole range of people – musicians, dancers, poets, artisans, cooks, retainers, administrative officials and so on – lost their livelihood. 
• A chain of grievances in Awadh linked prince, taluqdar, peasant and sepoy. In different ways they came to identify firangi raj with the end of their world – the breakdown of things they valued, respected, and held dear. The annexation displaced not just the Nawab. It also dispossessed the taluqdars of the region