In which year Awadh was annexed in British Empire?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 1856. The annexation of Awadh (Oudh) into the British Empire took place in 1856. This event was a significant precursor to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The British justified the annexation on grounds of misgovernance by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. They accused him of maladministration, although the true intention was to consolidate British power and resources in the region. The Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, was frequently used to annex princely states, but in the case of Awadh, it was directly annexed without applying this doctrine, which intensified the discontent among the Indian rulers and the public.
Important Key Points:
· The annexation of Awadh was one of the direct causes of the Revolt of 1857.
· Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was the last ruler of Awadh before its annexation.
· The British accused the Nawab of misgovernance as a pretext for annexation.
· The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy used by Lord Dalhousie to annex Indian states but was not applied in this case.
· The annexation led to widespread resentment among the Indian aristocracy and peasantry.
· Awadh's annexation brought a significant part of North India under direct British control.
Knowledge Booster:
· 1852: This year is unrelated to the annexation of Awadh but saw the beginning of the Second Anglo-Burmese War, which eventually led to the annexation of parts of Burma (Myanmar) into the British Empire.
· 1899: Lord Curzon became the Viceroy of India, known for his controversial policies, including the partition of Bengal in 1905, but it has no connection to Awadh’s annexation.
· 1766: This year marks early British expansion in India, following the Battle of Buxar in 1764, which solidified British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, but predates any events related to Awadh’s annexation.