News: According to a biography written by Wajid Ali Shah’s great-grandson, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was not formally exiled to Calcutta. Instead, he went there intending to travel to London to present a petition, but when his departure was prevented, he remained in the city.
About Wajid Ali Shah
- Wajid Ali Shah was born on 30 July 1822 as Mirza Wajid Ali Shah.
- He succeeded his father, Nawab Amjad Ali Shah and became the eleventh and last Nawab of Awadh
- He ascended the throne on 13 February 1847.
- He was known as a kind and compassionate ruler and an able administrator who took active interest in state affairs.
- History:
- During his reign, Awadh faced increasing political pressure from the British East India Company.
- In 1856, the British annexed Awadh on the grounds of alleged misgovernance under Lord Dalhousie’s policy of expansion.
- His removal from power and the annexation of Awadh became a significant trigger for the Revolt of 1857.
- After the annexation, Wajid Ali Shah was exiled to Metiabruz near Kolkata, where he spent the rest of his life.
- Apart from being a ruler, he was a great patron of arts and culture and transformed Lucknow into a vibrant cultural center.
- He was a talented poet who wrote in Urdu and Persian under the pen name “Akhtar.”
- Titles:Hazrat Khalid, ‘Abul Mansur Nasir ud-din, Padshah-i-‘Adil, Kaiser-i-Zaman, Arangha Sultan-i-‘Alam, Muhammad Wajid ‘Ali Shah Bahadur, King of Awadh
- Contribution: Wajid Ali Shah made significant contributions to Hindustani classical music and composed many ghazals and thumris.
- He played an important role in the development and refinement of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak dance.
- He introduced grand theatrical performances known as “Rahas,” which combined music, dance, and poetry.
- Even during his exile, he continued to support artists and recreated the cultural atmosphere of Lucknow in Metiabruz.
- He was also great patron of art and architecture and built famous Kaiser Bagh in Lucknow.
- Legacy: Wajid Ali Shah is remembered as a cultural icon whose contributions greatly enriched Indian music, dance, literature, and theatre.
