Context:

• July 30, 2023 marks the 201st birth anniversary of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab to sit on the throne of Awadh. 

About Wajid Ali Shah:

• Mirza Wajid Ali Shah (July 1822 – 1 September 1887) was the eleventh and last King of Awadh, holding the position for 9 years, from 13 February 1847 to 11 February 1856.
• His kingdom was annexed by the East India Company on 11 February 1856 and the Nawab was exiled to Garden Reach in Metiabruz, a suburb of Kolkata, where he lived out the rest of his life on a generous pension. 

Contributions to music:

• He was not only a patron of music, dance, drama, and poetry but was also a gifted composer. 
• He is said to have composed many new ragas and named them Jogi, Juhi, Shah-Pasand, etc.
• The light classical form, thumri was created by Wajid Ali Shah.

Contributions to dance: 

• He introduced Kathak, a major form of classical Indian dance as a court dance after the decline of Mughals for recreation activity. 

Contributions to Hindustani Theatre: 

• The king introduced the Jogia Jashan, a magnificent event featuring Rahas (dance-dramas), poetry, lyrical compositions, and Kathak performances paving the way for the growth of Hindustani theater.

Contribution to literature:

• The famous poet Mirza Ghalib received the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah.
• Wajid Ali Shah was himself a poet of considerable merit. 
• He had equal command over Persian and Urdu and wrote several books in both languages. His notable work is Sawat-ul-Qalub.

News Source : Indian Express