Question

Another song mourned the plight of the ruler who had to leave his motherland: Noble and peasant all wept together and all the world wept and wailed Alas! The chief has bidden adieu to his country and gone abroad.

Read the entire section and discuss why people mourned the departure of Wajid Ali Shah.

Answer 1

1. Wajid Ali Shah was the Nawab of Awadh and was deeply connected with the people of the region.
2. When the British annexed Awadh in 1856, he was removed from power and sent away from his kingdom.
3. Many people saw his removal as the loss of their traditional ruler and kingdom.
4. The Nawab was also known for supporting music, poetry, dance and cultural activities, so his departure was seen as a loss to the cultural life of Awadh.
5. His removal also affected many courtiers, soldiers, officials, artists and servants who depended on the royal court for their livelihood.
6. The annexation created anger because people felt that the British had unfairly taken control of Awadh.
7. The song shows that people felt a strong emotional attachment to Wajid Ali Shah and considered his departure a great misfortune.

Therefore, people mourned him because his removal represented the loss of their ruler, livelihood, culture and political independence.