Question

Why did the British annex Awadh in 1856? On what pretext did they carry out act of annexation? Explain.

Answer 1

1. Reasons for the annexation of Awadh by British:
   1. Soil suitable for growing indigo and cotton.
   2. Awadh might become upper India’s main market.
   3. Awadh’s takeover was anticipated to finish the territorial annexation process.
2. Pretext of Awadh’s annexation:
   1. The region was poorly managed and misgoverned.
   2. Mistakenly believed that Wajid Ali Shah was an unpopular leader.
   3. A subsidiary partnership.