Critically examine Lord Dalhousie's policy of annexation in Awadh.

1.	Critically examine Lord Dalhousie's policy of annexation in Awadh.
Answer» Solution : Dalhousie's policy of annexation of Awadh: (i) Dalhousie described the KINGDOM of Awadh as "a cherry that will drop into our MOUTH one day." (II) Theconquest happenedin.srages The subsidiary Allian had been imposed on Awadh in 1801. (iii) By the terms of this alliance the Nawab had to dishand his military force, allow the British to position their troops within the kingdom, and act in accordance with the advice of the British Resident who was attached to the court. Thus, the Nawab became dependent on British. (iv) The British were kcen to acquire Awadh as its soil was good for growing INDIGO and cotton and was ideally located for trade. (v) Annexation of Awadh would complete the territorial annexation by the British beginning with that of Bengal a century earlier. (vi) It was ANNEXED on the grounds of mala dministration. The British wrongly assumed that the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was an unpopular ruler, on thecontracy he was widely loved.

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