Chapter 10 Awadh in Revolt| Class 12 History Notes

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 10 Awadh in Revolt discusses that there were several reasons for the revolt in Awadh. One reason was the annexation of the state by the British in 1856. The British had annexed Awadh because it was being misgoverned. However, the people of Awadh were very loyal to their Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, and they resented his removal. Another reason for the revolt was the economic hardship that the people of Awadh were facing. The British had introduced several new taxes, and they had also taken over much of the land in Awadh. This has led to widespread poverty and unemployment.

It is an important topic of History Class 12 NCERT. Students can through this article to get comprehensive notes on Chapter 10 Awadh in Revolt.

Kingdom of Awadh

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. The conquest occurred in stages, with the Nawab disbanding his military force and the British allowing them to position their troops within the kingdom. This led to increased dependence on the British for law and order, and the British became increasingly interested in acquiring Awadh due to its potential for indigo and cotton production. By the early 1850s, all major areas of India had been conquered, including the Maratha lands, Doab, Carnatic, Punjab, and Bengal.

Nawab’s Exile

Lord Dalhousie’s annexations caused disaffection in the kingdom of Awadh, North India, where Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned and exiled to Calcutta. The British government mistakenly assumed that Wajid Ali Shah was unpopular, but he was widely loved and mourned when he left his beloved Luknow. The widespread grief and loss at the Nawab’s exile was recorded by contemporary observers, who described the town as lifeless and the English as taking the country. The emotional upheaval was exacerbated by immediate material losses, leading to the dissolution of the court and its culture, resulting in the loss of livelihoods for various people.

Firangi Raj and the End of a World

The revolt in Awadh was a response to the annexation of the Nawab and the dispossessed taluqdars of the region:

• The British annexation was based on the assumption that taluqdars were interlopers with no permanent stakes in land.
• The British land revenue policy further undermined the position and authority of the taluqdars.
• The Summary Settlement of 1856, based on the assumption that taluqdars were interlopers, removed the taluqdars wherever possible.
• The dispossession of taluqdars led to the breakdown of an entire social order, disrupting ties of loyalty and patronage.
• The British imposed overassessment of revenue and inflexible collection methods, leading to a lack of guarantee for the peasant in times of hardship or crop failure.
• The grievances of the peasants were carried over into the sepoy lines, as a majority of the sepoys were recruited from the villages of Awadh.
• The relationship between the sepoys and their superior white officers underwent a significant change in the years preceding the uprising of 1857.
• The sepoys’ families saw changes around them and threats they perceived, which were quickly transmitted to the sepoy lines.
• The fear of the sepoys about the new cartridge, their grievances about leave, and the increasing misbehaviour and racial abuse on the part of their white officers was communicated back to the villages.
• The link between the sepoys and the rural world had important implications in the course of the uprising.

Subsidiary Alliance

Lord Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance in 1798, requiring all allies to accept certain terms and conditions. These included protecting their ally from threats, having a British armed contingent stationed in their territory, providing resources for this contingent, and only allowing ally to enter agreements with other rulers or engage in warfare with British permission.

Conclusion – Class 12 History Notes Chapter 10 Awadh in Revolt

In conclusion, the revolt was widespread in Awadh due to various reasons. The British had annexed Awadh on the plea that the region was being misgoverned. They thought that the Nawab was not popular, but on the contrary, he was very popular. People considered it as, “the life has gone out of the body”. The British had also imposed the Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh, which meant that the Nawab had to disband his military force and allow the British to position their troops within the kingdom. This made the Nawab increasingly dependent on the British to maintain law and order within the kingdom. He could no longer assert control over the rebellious chief and taluqdars.

People Also View:

• Revolt of 1857
• Consequences of the Revolt of 1857
• Causes of Failure of 1857 Revolt
• Important Revolts After 1857

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 10 Awadh in Revolt- FAQs

What is the focus of Class 12 History Chapter 10?

Chapter 10 focuses on the Awadh region’s revolt against British colonial rule during the 19th century.

Why is Awadh significant in Indian history?

Awadh was a culturally rich and politically important region in British India, known for its historical significance and the revolt against British rule.

Who were the key figures involved in the Awadh revolt?

Leaders like Begum Hazrat Mahal and Raja Man Singh played crucial roles in organizing and leading the revolt.

What were the main causes of the Awadh revolt?

Grievances included the annexation of Awadh by the British East India Company, economic exploitation, and cultural marginalization.

How did the rebels in Awadh challenge British authority?

Rebels engaged in guerrilla warfare, attacks on British symbols of power, and efforts to establish independent governance in Awadh.

What were the consequences of the Awadh revolt?

Although ultimately suppressed by the British, the revolt highlighted the discontent among Indians and contributed to the broader struggle for independence.

How did the Awadh revolt influence India’s fight for independence?

The revolt inspired nationalist sentiments and solidarity among Indians, contributing to the momentum towards eventual independence from British rule.