Annexation of Awadh
Awadh was the oldest of the surviving states brought under the Subsidiary Alliance , and the cruel impact of the system resulted in its continuous maladministration under profligate and extravagant nawabs for a long spell of 80 years .
The people suffered from the heavy taxes imposed by the Nawab as also the illegal exactions by his officials and the talukdars . The chronic bankruptcy of the treasury was partly due to the heavy charges realized by the British government for maintenance of the subsidiary troops . In addition , large contributions were realized by Lord Hastings , Lord Amherst , and Lord William Bentinck for purposes entirely unconnected with the affairs of Awadh . In 1819 , the Nawab was given the title and status of a king .
Lord Dalhousie directed Sleeman , the Resident in Awadh , to make a tour throughout the state and ascertain the actual situation by personal inspection . The resident submitted a report describing the anarchical condition in the state . He was succeeded as resident in 1854 by Outram who submitted a report supporting that of his predecessor . Dalhousie hesitated to take the extreme step , i.e. , annexation ; he preferred permanent British administration , with the Nawab retaining his titles and rank . But the Court of Directors ordered annexation and abolition of the throne . Wajid Ali Shah refused to sign a treaty giving away his rights , and was exiled to Calcutta . It was a political blunder for which the British had to pay a heavy price during the revolt of 1857 .
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