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RISE OF AVADH (1722- 1858)

PWOnlyIAS July 22, 2023 03:09 7674 0

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RISE OF AVADH (1722- 1858)

INTRODUCTION

Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk, who was appointed Governor of Avadh in 1722, is credited with founding the independent kingdom of Avadh. The rise of Avadh marked a significant period of autonomy and prosperity in northern India. Led by capable rulers and supported by administrative reforms, Avadh gained stability and consolidated its power. Through territorial expansion, economic development, and cultural patronage, Avadh emerged as a powerful regional force. Its vibrant court, architectural legacy, and intellectual advancements contributed to its cultural renaissance.

RISE OF AVADH AS AN INDEPENDENT STATE

A brief account of the rise of Avadh is given below:

  • Early Origins and History: The region of Avadh has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with references to Hindu mythology and ancient Indian texts. Avadh was part of the powerful Kosala kingdom during the ancient period and experienced various dynastic rulers.
  • Mughal Connection and Autonomy: Avadh became a Mughal province during the 16th century, with Faizabad as its capital. In 1722, Saadat Khan, a Persian noble, was appointed as the Mughal governor of Avadh. Saadat Khan, a capable administrator and military strategist, gradually consolidated power and achieved a degree of autonomy from the Mughal Empire.
  • Consolidation of Power under Saadat Khan: Saadat Khan successfully suppressed local rebellions and brought stability to Avadh. He implemented administrative reforms, including the reorganization of revenue administration and the establishment of a strong administrative structure. Saadat Khan gained recognition for his achievements, and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah honoured him with the title of Burhan-ul-Mulk.

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  • Rise of the Nawabs: Saadat Khan’s son-in-law, Safdar Jung, played a crucial role in the consolidation of power in Avadh. Safdar Jung was appointed as the deputy governor of Avadh by the Mughal Emperor, further solidifying the Nawabs’ control. In 1754, after Safdar Jung’s death, his successor Shuja-ud-Daula became the third Nawab of Avadh. The Nawabs of Avadh, belonging to the Naqvi dynasty, continued to strengthen their position and expand their authority over the region.
  • Cultural Renaissance and Architectural Legacy: The Avadh Kingdom witnessed a cultural renaissance under the patronage of the Nawabs. The court of Avadh became a centre for arts, literature, music, and dance, attracting renowned poets, musicians, and artists. The kingdom left behind a rich architectural legacy, with the construction of magnificent structures like the Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, and Rumi Darwaza.
  • Economic Prosperity and Trade: Avadh experienced economic prosperity through agricultural development, trade networks, and revenue from its territories. The kingdom’s strategic location on trade routes facilitated commercial activities and cultural exchanges with neighbouring regions.
  • Intellectual and Literary Advancements: Avadh became a hub of intellectual and literary activities, nurturing renowned scholars, poets, and writers. Prominent literary figures like Mir Taqi Mir, Asar Usmani, and Ghulam Hamdani Mushafi flourished during this period.

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Saadat Khan and Zamindar Rebellion

  • Rebellious zamindars had raised their heads across the province at the time of his appointment. They resisted paying the land tax, formed their own private armies, built forts, and disobeyed the Imperial Government, forcing Saadat Khan to fight them for years.
  • He was successful in putting an end to lawlessness and punishing the powerful zamindars, which increased the government’s financial resources. However, the majority of the defeated zamindars were not relocated.
  • Usually, they were confirmed in their estates after they had submitted and accepted to pay their taxes (land revenue) regularly Moreover, they continued to be refractory. 

Military Expeditions
  • Trained troops: His troops were well-paid, well-armed, and well-trained.
  • Third Battle of Panipat: Shuja accompanied the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali as he returned to India to fight the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), hoping to witness the defeat of his neighbours, the Marathas.
  • Battle of Buxar: Up to his confrontation with the English East India Company in 1764, his independence and dominance within his realm of Awadh and Allahabad went unopposed. Because he participated in the conflict between the British and Mir Qasim, the ousted Nawab of Bengal, the British were able to defeat him at the Battle of Buxar (1764).

ADMINISTRATION AND EXPANSION OF THE AVADH KINGDOM

The administration and expansion of the Avadh Kingdom, also known as Awadh or Oudh, were multifaceted processes that spanned several centuries. Here is a detailed account of the administration and expansion of the Avadh Kingdom:

  • Administrative Structure: The Nawabs of Avadh established a centralized administrative structure to govern the kingdom effectively.
  • Revenue Administration and Jagirdari System: The revenue administration of Avadh underwent reforms under the rule of Saadat Khan, the first Nawab of Avadh.
  • Saadat Khan introduced a system of Amils (local agents) to oversee revenue collection and maintain law and order in different provinces.
  • Judicial System: The Avadh Kingdom had a well-organized judicial system.
  • Relationship with the Mughal Empire and British East India Company: The Avadh Kingdom maintained a complex relationship with the Mughal Empire.
  • Cultural and Intellectual Development: The Avadh Kingdom witnessed a flourishing of arts, literature, music, and architecture.
  • Economic Prosperity and Trade: Avadh experienced economic prosperity through agricultural development and flourishing trade.

Some Administrative Reforms by Saadat Khan
Revenue Settlement
  • Saadat Khan implemented a fresh revenue settlement in 1723, improving the conditions of peasants and protecting them from oppression by large zamindars.
Secular Administration
  • Muslims and Hindus were treated equally by them. Numerous of his commanders and high officials were Hindus, and he suppressed stubborn zamindars, chiefs, and nobles regardless of their religion. Additionally, Safdar Jang established an equitable judicial system.
Jagir Reforms
  • The local gentry was given jagirs as part of the reformation of the jagirdari system, and the province’s prosperous trade flow kept it that way. As a result, a new regional ruling class was formed, with Indian Muslims, Afghans, and Hindus serving as its principal supporters.

BRITISH INTERVENTION AND DECLINE OF THE AWADH KINGDOM

  • British Intervention in internal affairs: The British East India Company gradually expanded its influence in India and sought to establish control over various regions. The British started interfering in the internal affairs of Avadh, seeking to manipulate and influence the policies and decisions of the Nawabs.
  • Interference in Administration: The British exerted increasing control over the administration of Avadh, intervening in matters of governance, revenue collection, and law and order.
  • The Great Uprising of 1857: Avadh played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857 against British rule.
  • Annexation and Deposition of the Nawab: As a consequence of the uprising, the British accused Wajid Ali Shah of involvement and declared Avadh as a part of the British Empire in 1856.
  • Impact and Legacy: The annexation of Avadh resulted in the loss of political autonomy, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity for the region.

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CONCLUSION

The Avadh Kingdom in northern India experienced autonomy, territorial expansion, economic prosperity, and cultural renaissance under Saadat Khan. British intervention, beginning with the Treaty of Allahabad, eroded independence, leading to its eventual annexation in 1856. The story highlights the complex dynamics between native Indian kingdoms and colonialism in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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