2.2.1. “A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day”

In 1851 Governor General Lord Dalhousie described the kingdom of Awadh as “a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day”. Five years later, in 1856, the kingdom was formally annexed to the British Empire.

Lord Dalhousie's comment reflects the British perception of Awadh as a desirable territory. The phrase suggests that the British viewed Awadh as easy to conquer or acquire. In 1856, they formally annexed Awadh, denoting the transition from a princely state to direct British control.

Imagine a popular restaurant that is known for a particular dish. The owner starts offering it at a lower price, drawing interest. The restaurant then becomes under new management, losing the original charm but still retaining the popular dish, much like how Awadh lost its sovereignty but remained appealing to the British.

The conquest happened in stages. The Subsidiary Alliance had been imposed on Awadh in 1801. By the terms of this alliance the Nawab had to disband his military force, allow the British to position their Resident within the kingdom, and act in accordance with the advice of the British Resident who was now to be attached to the court.

The British utilized a method known as 'Subsidiary Alliance.' This treaty forced the Nawab to relinquish military power and depend on British forces for protection and governance. Essentially, the British Resident acted as a mediator of control, influencing decisions within the local government.

Think of it like a less popular student joining a school club. They might be told to give up their own projects and join the club's activities but they have to follow the club leader's guidance completely, effectively losing some independence.

Deprived of his armed forces, the Nawab became increasingly dependent on the British to maintain law and order within the kingdom. He could no longer assert control over the rebellious chiefs and taluqdars.

Without his military, the Nawab's authority diminished. He relied on British forces to enforce law and order, which made him vulnerable to local uprisings by powerful chiefs and landlords (taluqdars) who had previously recognized his authority.

This situation is akin to a school principal who has lost control over the discipline within their school. They depend on the local police to handle disruptive students, losing their influence over the school's environment.

Meanwhile, the British became increasingly interested in acquiring the territory of Awadh. They felt that the soil there was good for producing indigo and cotton, and the region was ideally located to be developed into the principal market of Upper India.

The British were not just after control but sought to exploit Awadh's agricultural potential, namely its rich agricultural resources for cash crops like indigo and cotton. They envisioned transforming Awadh into a key market hub, thus increasing their economic interests.

It's similar to a tech company looking to expand into a region with abundant natural resources for creating different products. The company's success relies on tapping into these local resources for production.

By the early 1850s, moreover, all the major areas of India had been conquered: the Maratha lands, the Doab, the Carnatic, the Punjab and Bengal. The takeover of Awadh in 1856 was expected to complete a process of territorial annexation that had begun with the conquest of Bengal almost a century earlier.

The British had systematically annexed various territories in India for decades. Awadh's annexation was seen as a final piece in completing their desired control over North India, ensuring no significant pockets of independence remained.

Consider a puzzle: as you complete more pieces, it becomes clearer. The annexation of Awadh completed the British picture of control over India, leaving little room for any independent states.

Lord Dalhousie’s annexations created disaffection in all the areas and principalities that were annexed but nowhere more so than in the kingdom of Awadh. Here, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned and exiled to Calcutta on the plea that the region was being misgoverned.

Wajid Ali Shah's dethronement and exile highlighted the resentment stirred by British rule. Despite claims of mismanagement, many locals loved Wajid Ali Shah and felt a sense of loss with his removal, which fueled discontent against the British.

Similar to how a beloved community leader, who was genuine and invested in locals, might be unfairly removed by a higher authority. The community would rally to express their discontent over the unjust removal.

The widespread sense of grief and loss at the Nawab’s exile was recorded by many contemporary observers. One of them wrote: “The life was gone out of the body, and the body of this town had been left lifeless...”

The emotions tied to Wajid Ali Shah’s exile exemplified a deep attachment between the ruler and his people. Observers noted that not only did the Nawab leave, but a significant portion of the town's vitality diminished with him.

It's akin to a city's response to a beloved sports team relocating; the community feels a sense of emptiness, mourning not just the loss of the team, but the social and cultural ties the team had fostered.

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