Understanding Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and the Annexation of Awadh

The question asks about the deposition year of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the ruler of Awadh. This event is a significant moment in the history of British India and a key factor leading up to the Revolt of 1857.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was the tenth and last Nawab of the princely state of Awadh (also known as Oudh). He ruled from 1847 until he was deposed.

The British East India Company had increasing control over Indian states through various policies, including the Doctrine of Lapse and annexations based on alleged maladministration. Awadh was a wealthy and strategically important state, and the British had long eyed its annexation.

The British Governor-General at the time, Lord Dalhousie, decided to annex Awadh citing alleged misgovernance and internal disorder within the state under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's rule. Despite Wajid Ali Shah's efforts to introduce reforms, the British used the pretext of maladministration to justify their action.

The annexation of Awadh was announced in February 1856. Consequently, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was deposed and exiled to Calcutta (now Kolkata).

The deposition of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and the subsequent annexation of Awadh was widely unpopular among the people of Awadh and Indian soldiers in the British army (many of whom were from Awadh). This resentment played a crucial role in the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny/Revolt of 1857.

Analysis of the Options

Let's look at the provided years:

• 1855: This year is before the actual deposition took place.
• 1856: This is the year the British annexed Awadh and deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
• 1857: The Great Revolt of 1857 started in this year, partly fueled by the annexation of Awadh in the previous year.
• 1858: By this year, the control of India was transferred from the British East India Company to the British Crown following the suppression of the 1857 Revolt.

Based on historical events, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh was deposed in the year 1856.

Revision Table: Key Dates Related to Awadh Annexation

Additional Information on British Annexation Policies

The annexation of Awadh in 1856 was one of the last major annexations carried out by the British East India Company before the 1857 Revolt. It highlights the aggressive expansionist policy followed by Lord Dalhousie.

• Doctrine of Lapse: This policy, primarily associated with Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British to annex states where the ruler died without a natural heir. States like Satara, Sambalpur, Udaipur, Nagpur, and Jhansi were annexed under this doctrine.
• Annexation on grounds of Maladministration: Awadh was annexed using the pretext of 'maladministration'. This allowed the British to take over states even if they had a legitimate heir, bypassing treaties that protected these states.
• Subsidiary Alliance: Introduced by Lord Wellesley, this system forced Indian rulers to accept permanent stationing of British forces within their territory and pay for their maintenance. Rulers also had to dismiss their own armies and accept a British Resident in their court. Awadh was one of the first states to enter into a Subsidiary Alliance in 1801.

These policies collectively weakened the Indian states and increased British control, ultimately contributing to the widespread discontent that led to the Revolt of 1857.