The question asks which British Governor-General famously described the kingdom of Awadh using a specific metaphor related to its eventual annexation by the British East India Company. This quote is quite well-known in the history of British India and the events leading up to the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.

Identifying the Governor-General and the 'Cherry' Quote on Awadh

The quote "a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day" is a vivid description of the British desire and expectation to annex the wealthy kingdom of Awadh (or Oudh). This phrase suggests that Awadh was ripe for takeover and would eventually fall under British control with little effort, like a ripe fruit dropping from a tree.

Let's examine the options provided:

• Lord Wellesley: Served as Governor-General from 1798 to 1805. He is known for his Subsidiary Alliance system, which brought many Indian states under British influence but typically did not involve outright annexation of large, existing kingdoms like Awadh at that time.
• Lord Dalhousie: Served as Governor-General from 1848 to 1856. His tenure is marked by aggressive expansionist policies, including the Doctrine of Lapse. He is famously associated with the annexation of Awadh in 1856 on the grounds of alleged misgovernance by the Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah. The quote "a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day" is widely attributed to Lord Dalhousie, reflecting his view on the inevitable British takeover of Awadh.
• Charles Cornwallis: Served two terms as Governor-General (1786–1793 and briefly in 1805). He is primarily known for the Permanent Settlement of Bengal. His focus was on administrative and revenue reforms rather than large-scale annexations like Awadh.
• Lord Clive: Was involved in British affairs in India much earlier, primarily in Bengal during the mid-18th century. He played a key role in the Battle of Plassey (1757) and laid the foundation for British rule in Bengal. His period predates the significant British expansion towards Awadh in the manner described by the quote.

Based on historical records and the context of the annexation of Awadh in 1856, the statement "a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day" is most accurately attributed to Lord Dalhousie.

Context of Awadh's Annexation by Lord Dalhousie

Awadh was a large and prosperous state, strategically important to the British. Although it had been a British ally and under British influence for a long time, it remained nominally independent. Lord Dalhousie was determined to annex it. Unlike other states annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse (where rulers died without a natural heir), Awadh was annexed on the pretext of persistent misgovernance, despite the Nawab's willingness to accept British terms. This annexation was one of the significant causes of discontent that contributed to the Great Revolt of 1857, in which soldiers from Awadh played a major role.

The "cherry" quote perfectly encapsulates Dalhousie's perspective on Awadh - that its annexation was not a question of if, but when and how easily it could be absorbed into British India.

Revision Table: British Governor-Generals

Additional Information on Awadh and British Policy

The annexation of Awadh by Lord Dalhousie was highly controversial. It broke previous treaties where the British had promised to protect the Nawab. The Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, was exiled to Calcutta. The annexation led to widespread discontent among the populace, including the soldiers (sepoys), many of whom came from Awadh. This action is considered a key factor that fueled the Indian Mutiny/Revolt of 1857.

Lord Dalhousie's expansionist approach aimed to consolidate British power and streamline administration across India. While he is credited with introducing reforms like railways, telegraph, and postal services, his aggressive annexation policies, especially the annexation of Awadh, left a lasting negative impact and contributed significantly to the breakdown of trust between the British and Indian rulers and populace.