Q. Regarding the British annexation of Awadh, consider the following statements:
1.Unlike other states, Awadh was not annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse because the ruler, Wajid Ali Shah, had several legitimate natural heirs.
2.The annexation was justified on the grounds of “persistent misgovernance,” a provision that was not explicitly part of the original Subsidiary Alliance treaty of 1801.
3.Lord Dalhousie relied on the reports of British Residents, specifically Colonel Sleeman and later James Outram, to build the case for annexation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. Since there was no failure of natural heirs, Dalhousie could not apply the Doctrine of Lapse. He had to find a different pretext to take over the fertile “garden of India.”
Statement 2: Correct. The British argued that as the Paramount Power, they had a moral duty to the people of Awadh to end the “tyranny” and “misrule” of the Nawab, even though British interference had largely caused the administrative breakdown.
Statement 3: Correct. Sleeman was critical of the Nawab but opposed annexation; however, his successor, Outram, provided a report that gave Dalhousie the necessary ammunition to proceed with the takeover.
