1. Who was the founder of the autonomous state of Awadh?
a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk
d) Murshid Quli Khan
Answer: c) Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk
Explanation: Appointed Subahdar of Awadh in 1722, he became virtually independent.
2. The capital of Awadh under Saadat Khan was:
a) Lucknow
b) Faizabad
c) Allahabad
d) Kanpur
Answer: b) Faizabad
Explanation: He established Faizabad as the capital.
3. The Nawabs of Awadh were of which origin?
a) Afghan
b) Persian (Shia)
c) Turkish
d) Rajput
Answer: b) Persian (Shia)
Explanation: The Awadh Nawabs were Shia nobles of Persian descent.
4. The Nawab of Awadh who allied with the British against the Afghans in the Battle of Buxar (1764) was:
a) Saadat Khan
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
Explanation: He fought the British but was defeated at Buxar (1764).
5. The Nawab of Awadh defeated at the Battle of Buxar was:
a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Saadat Khan
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
Explanation: He allied with Mir Qasim (Bengal) and Shah Alam II, but lost.
6. The British commander at Buxar was:
a) Robert Clive
b) Hector Munro
c) Eyre Coote
d) Warren Hastings
Answer: b) Hector Munro
Explanation: He decisively defeated the allied forces.
7. The Treaty of Allahabad (1765) was signed between the British and:
a) Shah Alam II
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Both a & b
d) Asaf-ud-Daula
Answer: c) Both a & b
Explanation: Clive signed it with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II & Shuja-ud-Daulah.
8. Under the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), Shuja-ud-Daulah had to:
a) Surrender Awadh
b) Pay 50 lakh rupees indemnity
c) Accept a British Resident
d) Both b & c
Answer: d) Both b & c
Explanation: He retained Awadh as a buffer state but under heavy conditions.
9. Why did the British not annex Awadh in 1765 after Buxar?
a) Awadh was not wealthy
b) Awadh was too strong militarily
c) Awadh was needed as a buffer state against Afghans and Marathas
d) Shuja-ud-Daulah was loyal
Answer: c) Awadh was needed as a buffer state against Afghans and Marathas
Explanation: It served as a strategic frontier zone.
10. Which Nawab of Awadh shifted the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow?
a) Saadat Khan
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: c) Asaf-ud-Daula
Explanation: In 1775, Asaf-ud-Daula made Lucknow the capital.
11. The Nawabs of Awadh were known for patronizing:
a) Urdu poetry
b) Music and dance
c) Architecture (Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza)
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Awadh became a center of culture and refinement.
12. The famous “Bara Imambara” of Lucknow was built by:
a) Saadat Khan
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: c) Asaf-ud-Daula
Explanation: Built in 1784, it was a famine-relief project.
13. The Nawab of Awadh who is regarded as a patron of arts but weak in politics was:
a) Asaf-ud-Daula
b) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
c) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: d) Wajid Ali Shah
Explanation: His cultural patronage was great, but he lost his kingdom in 1856.
14. The British first stationed a Resident in Awadh in:
a) 1765
b) 1773
c) 1775
d) 1801
Answer: c) 1775
Explanation: A British Resident was placed during Asaf-ud-Daula’s reign.
15. Who was the first British Resident in Awadh?
a) Nathaniel Middleton
b) John Shore
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Richard Wellesley
Answer: a) Nathaniel Middleton
Explanation: He was appointed as Resident in 1775.
16. The Subsidiary Alliance was imposed on Awadh by:
a) Warren Hastings
b) Cornwallis
c) Wellesley
d) Dalhousie
Answer: c) Wellesley
Explanation: Awadh was forced to accept the Subsidiary Alliance in 1801.
17. Awadh became a buffer state between:
a) British and Marathas
b) British and Afghans
c) British and French
d) British and Sikhs
Answer: b) British and Afghans
Explanation: Awadh was maintained to guard against Afghan invasions.
18. Which Nawab ceded half of Awadh’s territory to the British in 1801?
a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Saadat Khan
d) Saadat Ali Khan II
Answer: d) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He ceded Allahabad, Rohilkhand, Gorakhpur and other regions.
19. Saadat Ali Khan II ceded territory under pressure from:
a) Lord Cornwallis
b) Lord Wellesley
c) Warren Hastings
d) Dalhousie
Answer: b) Lord Wellesley
Explanation: Wellesley extracted land in exchange for “protection”.
20. Awadh was formally annexed by the British in:
a) 1801
b) 1837
c) 1856
d) 1857
Answer: c) 1856
Explanation: Annexed under Doctrine of Lapse by Lord Dalhousie.
21. The Nawab of Awadh at the time of annexation (1856) was:
a) Saadat Ali Khan II
b) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
c) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: d) Wajid Ali Shah
Explanation: He was exiled to Calcutta after annexation.
22. The reason cited for annexation of Awadh was:
a) Doctrine of Lapse
b) Misrule and maladministration
c) Military rebellion
d) Nawab’s death without heir
Answer: b) Misrule and maladministration
Explanation: Dalhousie accused the Nawab of misgovernance.
23. Which Governor-General annexed Awadh?
a) Wellesley
b) Cornwallis
c) Dalhousie
d) Hastings
Answer: c) Dalhousie
Explanation: He annexed Awadh in 1856.
24. The annexation of Awadh was one of the causes of:
a) Battle of Plassey
b) Battle of Buxar
c) Revolt of 1857
d) Partition of Bengal
Answer: c) Revolt of 1857
Explanation: Annexation angered sepoys and nobility, fueling rebellion.
25. The immediate effect of Awadh’s annexation was:
a) Peace in Awadh
b) Growth of agriculture
c) Displacement of nobles, taluqdars and sepoys
d) Revival of Mughal authority
Answer: c) Displacement of nobles, taluqdars and sepoys
Explanation: British reforms dispossessed taluqdars and aristocracy, leading to resentment.
26. The Nawab of Awadh defeated at Buxar (1764) was:
a) Saadat Khan
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
Explanation: He allied with Mir Qasim of Bengal and Shah Alam II, but lost to the British.
27. After Buxar, the British initially wanted to annex Awadh but retained it as:
a) A Mughal dependency
b) A buffer state
c) A French outpost
d) A Maratha ally
Answer: b) A buffer state
Explanation: Awadh was kept as a frontier buffer against Afghans and Marathas.
28. The Nawab of Awadh who signed the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) with the British was:
a) Saadat Khan
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
Explanation: He had to pay 50 lakh rupees indemnity and accept a British Resident.
29. Which Nawab shifted the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow?
a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Saadat Khan
d) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
Answer: b) Asaf-ud-Daula
Explanation: He moved the capital in 1775 to Lucknow.
30. Why was Lucknow chosen as the new capital of Awadh?
a) Safer location
b) Better trade routes
c) Suitable for culture and architecture
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Lucknow became a cultural and political hub.
31. Which famous structure was built by Asaf-ud-Daula during a famine relief project in 1784?
a) Rumi Darwaza
b) Residency
c) Bara Imambara
d) Chhota Imambara
Answer: c) Bara Imambara
Explanation: It provided employment to thousands during famine.
32. Which Nawab of Awadh was known for lavish patronage of Urdu poets and musicians?
a) Saadat Khan
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: c) Asaf-ud-Daula
Explanation: He made Lucknow the center of Indo-Persian-Urdu culture.
33. Who was the first British Resident stationed in Awadh?
a) Warren Hastings
b) Nathaniel Middleton
c) John Shore
d) Richard Wellesley
Answer: b) Nathaniel Middleton
Explanation: Appointed in 1775 during Asaf-ud-Daula’s reign.
34. The presence of a British Resident in Awadh meant:
a) British had advisory role only
b) British interfered in Awadh’s internal affairs
c) British had no influence
d) Nawab’s independence increased
Answer: b) British interfered in Awadh’s internal affairs
Explanation: Resident acted as supervisor of Nawab’s policies.
35. Who succeeded Asaf-ud-Daula as Nawab of Awadh?
a) Saadat Ali Khan II
b) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
c) Shuja-ud-Daulah
d) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
Answer: a) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He became Nawab in 1798 under British influence.
36. The Nawab of Awadh who ceded half of his territories to the British in 1801 was:
a) Asaf-ud-Daula
b) Saadat Ali Khan II
c) Wajid Ali Shah
d) Shuja-ud-Daulah
Answer: b) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He ceded territory under pressure of Lord Wellesley.
37. Which Governor-General imposed the Subsidiary Alliance on Awadh?
a) Warren Hastings
b) Lord Cornwallis
c) Lord Wellesley
d) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: c) Lord Wellesley
Explanation: In 1801, Awadh was forced into the Subsidiary Alliance.
38. Under the Treaty of 1801, Saadat Ali Khan II had to:
a) Dismiss his own army
b) Maintain a British force at his expense
c) Cede half of his territory to the Company
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Awadh lost land and independence under this treaty.
39. Which territories were ceded by Awadh to the British in 1801?
a) Rohilkhand
b) Allahabad
c) Gorakhpur
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These fertile regions were annexed to strengthen Company control.
40. The Nawab who was forced to accept Subsidiary Alliance was:
a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Saadat Ali Khan II
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: c) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He accepted it under Wellesley’s pressure in 1801.
41. The real purpose of keeping Awadh under Subsidiary Alliance was:
a) To protect Awadh from Marathas
b) To protect against Afghan threat
c) To extract revenue and weaken Nawab’s army
d) To maintain French trade
Answer: c) To extract revenue and weaken Nawab’s army
Explanation: It was a tool of British control and exploitation.
42. The Nawab of Awadh who tried to reform administration but was weakened by British interference was:
a) Saadat Ali Khan II
b) Shuja-ud-Daulah
c) Asaf-ud-Daula
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: a) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He attempted reforms, but British kept tight control.
43. The Subsidiary Alliance in Awadh required the Nawab to:
a) Maintain British troops
b) Dismiss French officers
c) Not engage in foreign relations without Company approval
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Alliance reduced Nawab to a dependent ally of the British.
44. Which Nawab was turned into a “dependent prince” under the British after 1801?
a) Saadat Ali Khan II
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Shuja-ud-Daulah
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: a) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He ceded land and lost military independence.
45. The year 1801 is important in Awadh’s history because:
a) Awadh was annexed
b) Awadh signed the Subsidiary Alliance and lost half its territory
c) Nawab became king
d) Revolt broke out
Answer: b) Awadh signed the Subsidiary Alliance and lost half its territory
Explanation: This treaty marked the decisive subordination of Awadh.
46. The Nawabs of Awadh became completely dependent on:
a) Afghan allies
b) Mughal emperor
c) East India Company
d) French
Answer: c) East India Company
Explanation: By 1801, the Nawabs were puppets of the British.
47. The Nawabs of Awadh lost their military independence after:
a) 1765
b) 1775
c) 1801
d) 1856
Answer: c) 1801
Explanation: They were forced to disband their army under Wellesley.
48. Why did the British prefer to keep Awadh as a princely state until 1856?
a) To extract revenue without responsibility
b) To use it as a buffer
c) To maintain political control gradually
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Awadh remained semi-independent but fully controlled.
49. The Nawabs of Awadh were reduced to ceremonial rulers after:
a) Treaty of Allahabad (1765)
b) Treaty of 1801
c) Annexation (1856)
d) Revolt of 1857
Answer: b) Treaty of 1801
Explanation: After Subsidiary Alliance, their political role ended.
50. The British policy towards Awadh between 1765–1801 can best be described as:
a) Direct annexation
b) Gradual control through diplomacy and treaties
c) Complete non-interference
d) Revival of Mughal influence
Answer: b) Gradual control through diplomacy and treaties
Explanation: British slowly eroded Awadh’s independence before annexing it.
51. The Treaty of 1801 between Awadh and the British was signed during the reign of:
a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Saadat Ali Khan II
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: c) Saadat Ali Khan II
Explanation: He was forced into Subsidiary Alliance by Lord Wellesley in 1801.
52. Under the Treaty of 1801, Awadh had to:
a) Accept a permanent British force at its expense
b) Dismiss its own army
c) Cede half of its territory to the British
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The treaty reduced Awadh to a dependent state.
53. The territories ceded by Awadh under the Treaty of 1801 included:
a) Rohilkhand
b) Gorakhpur
c) Allahabad
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These fertile regions were annexed by the Company.
54. The Governor-General responsible for forcing Awadh into Subsidiary Alliance was:
a) Warren Hastings
b) Lord Cornwallis
c) Lord Wellesley
d) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: c) Lord Wellesley
Explanation: He aggressively pursued the Subsidiary Alliance system.
55. After 1801, the Nawabs of Awadh were reduced to:
a) Independent kings
b) Dependent pensioners of the Company
c) Allies of the French
d) Mughal governors
Answer: b) Dependent pensioners of the Company
Explanation: They retained titles but lost real power.
56. Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar, Nawab of Awadh, assumed the title of “King” in:
a) 1815
b) 1819
c) 1827
d) 1837
Answer: b) 1819
Explanation: With British approval, he proclaimed himself King of Awadh.
57. By allowing Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar to assume the title of King, the British aimed to:
a) Please the Mughals
b) Weaken Mughal Emperor’s position
c) Promote independence of Awadh
d) Restore Nawab’s authority
Answer: b) Weaken Mughal Emperor’s position
Explanation: It undermined the nominal authority of the Mughal emperor.
58. The Nawab of Awadh who ruled between 1819–1827 was:
a) Saadat Ali Khan II
b) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
c) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
d) Muhammad Ali Shah
Answer: b) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
Explanation: He ruled as the first “King” of Awadh.
59. The Nawab of Awadh known for his extravagant lifestyle and neglect of administration was:
a) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Shuja-ud-Daulah
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: a) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
Explanation: He was more interested in pleasure than governance.
60. The British declared Nasir-ud-Din Haidar’s reign illegitimate and placed:
a) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
b) Muhammad Ali Shah
c) Wajid Ali Shah
d) Saadat Khan II
Answer: b) Muhammad Ali Shah
Explanation: In 1837, the British interfered directly in succession.
61. The Nawab of Awadh who ruled from 1837–1842 was:
a) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
b) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
c) Muhammad Ali Shah
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: c) Muhammad Ali Shah
Explanation: His reign further reduced Awadh’s independence.
62. The Nawab of Awadh from 1842–1856 was:
a) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
b) Muhammad Ali Shah
c) Wajid Ali Shah
d) Saadat Ali Khan II
Answer: c) Wajid Ali Shah
Explanation: He was the last ruler of Awadh, annexed by Dalhousie in 1856.
63. Wajid Ali Shah was known for:
a) Military reforms
b) Strict administration
c) Patronage of arts, dance, and music
d) Expanding territory
Answer: c) Patronage of arts, dance, and music
Explanation: He enriched Lucknow’s cultural heritage but ignored politics.
64. The British justification for annexing Awadh in 1856 was:
a) Doctrine of Lapse
b) Misrule and maladministration
c) Nawab’s death without heir
d) Treaty of Buxar
Answer: b) Misrule and maladministration
Explanation: Dalhousie accused the Nawab of inefficient governance.
65. Which Governor-General annexed Awadh in 1856?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Lord Dalhousie
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Lord Canning
Answer: b) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: He annexed Awadh on the pretext of misrule.
66. Wajid Ali Shah was exiled by the British to:
a) Lucknow
b) Rangoon
c) Calcutta
d) Allahabad
Answer: c) Calcutta
Explanation: He was exiled to Metiabruz, near Calcutta.
67. The annexation of Awadh angered:
a) Taluqdars
b) Soldiers (sepoys)
c) Nobility and peasants
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: It displaced landlords, nobles, and soldiers, creating unrest.
68. Which annexation became an immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?
a) Satara
b) Jhansi
c) Awadh
d) Nagpur
Answer: c) Awadh
Explanation: Annexation of Awadh directly provoked sepoys and taluqdars.
69. The annexation of Awadh (1856) was significant because:
a) It provided sepoys for the Bengal Army
b) It displaced landlords and peasants
c) It symbolized British betrayal of loyal Nawabs
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Annexation caused widespread discontent, fueling 1857 revolt.
70. The British annexed Awadh in 1856 citing misrule, but the real reason was:
a) Military strategy
b) Economic gain (fertile land and revenue)
c) To check Marathas
d) Religious conflict
Answer: b) Economic gain (fertile land and revenue)
Explanation: Awadh’s rich agriculture and resources attracted British greed.
71. Who described Awadh as the “garden, granary and arsenal of India”?
a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Wellesley
c) Warren Hastings
d) Edmund Burke
Answer: a) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: He recognized Awadh’s strategic and economic importance.
72. Which Nawab of Awadh formally adopted the title of “Padshah” (King)?
a) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
b) Asaf-ud-Daula
c) Shuja-ud-Daulah
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: a) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
Explanation: With British consent in 1819, he assumed the royal title.
73. The Nawabs of Awadh after 1801 increasingly became:
a) Independent monarchs
b) Dependent rulers under British Residents
c) Allies of the French
d) Mughal governors
Answer: b) Dependent rulers under British Residents
Explanation: Residents dictated policies, reducing Nawabs to figureheads.
74. The Resident system in Awadh was introduced in:
a) 1765
b) 1775
c) 1801
d) 1856
Answer: b) 1775
Explanation: First Resident was Nathaniel Middleton under Asaf-ud-Daula.
75. The downfall of Awadh’s independence was sealed by:
a) Treaty of Allahabad (1765)
b) Treaty of 1801 (Subsidiary Alliance)
c) Annexation (1856)
d) Revolt of 1857
Answer: b) Treaty of 1801 (Subsidiary Alliance)
Explanation: This treaty destroyed Awadh’s autonomy.
76. Awadh was annexed by the British in:
a) 1801
b) 1837
c) 1856
d) 1857
Answer: c) 1856
Explanation: Annexed by Lord Dalhousie on grounds of “misrule”.
77. The Nawab of Awadh at the time of annexation was:
a) Saadat Ali Khan II
b) Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar
c) Nasir-ud-Din Haidar
d) Wajid Ali Shah
Answer: d) Wajid Ali Shah
Explanation: He was exiled to Calcutta after annexation.
78. The official reason given for annexation of Awadh was:
a) Doctrine of Lapse
b) Misrule and maladministration
c) Nawab’s death without heir
d) Revolt of sepoys
Answer: b) Misrule and maladministration
Explanation: Dalhousie accused the Nawab of inefficient governance.
79. The real motive for annexing Awadh was:
a) Expansion of Mughal power
b) Fertile land and rich revenue resources
c) French threat
d) Religious conflict
Answer: b) Fertile land and rich revenue resources
Explanation: Awadh was known as the “garden and granary of India”.
80. Which Governor-General annexed Awadh?
a) Wellesley
b) Cornwallis
c) Dalhousie
d) Canning
Answer: c) Dalhousie
Explanation: He annexed Awadh in February 1856.
81. Wajid Ali Shah, after annexation, was exiled to:
a) Lucknow
b) Rangoon
c) Calcutta (Metiabruz)
d) Allahabad
Answer: c) Calcutta (Metiabruz)
Explanation: He lived in exile until his death in 1887.
82. The annexation of Awadh created deep resentment among:
a) Taluqdars (landlords)
b) Soldiers (sepoys)
c) Nobility and peasants
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The aristocracy lost land, sepoys lost jobs, peasants lost security.
83. Awadh was annexed under which British policy?
a) Doctrine of Lapse
b) Policy of Misrule
c) Subsidiary Alliance
d) Divide and Rule
Answer: b) Policy of Misrule
Explanation: Dalhousie justified annexation by alleging bad governance.
84. Why was Doctrine of Lapse not applied in Awadh’s annexation?
a) Nawab had a legitimate heir
b) Nawab adopted an heir
c) Doctrine was not applicable to hereditary states
d) British needed a stronger excuse
Answer: a) Nawab had a legitimate heir
Explanation: Annexation was justified instead on grounds of maladministration.
85. Who described Awadh as the “garden, granary and arsenal of India”?
a) Warren Hastings
b) Dalhousie
c) Wellesley
d) Edmund Burke
Answer: b) Dalhousie
Explanation: He highlighted Awadh’s strategic and economic value.
86. The annexation of Awadh in 1856 directly contributed to:
a) The Battle of Plassey
b) The Revolt of 1857
c) The Anglo-Sikh Wars
d) Partition of Bengal
Answer: b) The Revolt of 1857
Explanation: It was a major trigger for sepoy and peasant discontent.
87. The sepoys of the Bengal Army were mostly recruited from:
a) Maharashtra
b) Punjab
c) Awadh and Eastern UP
d) Bengal proper
Answer: c) Awadh and Eastern UP
Explanation: Hence annexation angered the very base of Company’s army.
88. Who was the first British Commissioner appointed after annexation of Awadh?
a) William Sleeman
b) Outram
c) Henry Lawrence
d) James Outram
Answer: c) Henry Lawrence
Explanation: He became the first British Commissioner of Awadh.
89. The taluqdars of Awadh after annexation were:
a) Strengthened
b) Dispossessed and humiliated
c) Given more land
d) Made allies of British
Answer: b) Dispossessed and humiliated
Explanation: British reforms destroyed their power.
90. The discontent of taluqdars in Awadh was a major cause of:
a) Battle of Buxar
b) Revolt of 1857
c) Partition of Bengal
d) Anglo-Maratha Wars
Answer: b) Revolt of 1857
Explanation: Taluqdars joined and funded the 1857 rebellion.
91. Wajid Ali Shah’s cultural contributions included:
a) Kathak dance
b) Urdu poetry
c) Theatre (Raslila, Rahas)
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Despite annexation, he left a lasting cultural legacy.
92. Who among the following criticized the annexation of Awadh in the British Parliament?
a) Edmund Burke
b) Lord Canning
c) John Bright
d) William Pitt
Answer: c) John Bright
Explanation: He denounced it as an unjust act.
93. The annexation of Awadh displaced how many taluqdars from their estates?
a) 5,000
b) 10,000
c) 15,000
d) 20,000
Answer: b) 10,000
Explanation: Nearly 10,000 taluqdars were dispossessed, creating unrest.
94. What role did Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of Wajid Ali Shah, play in 1857?
a) Supported the British
b) Remained neutral
c) Led the Awadh rebels in Lucknow
d) Fled to Nepal
Answer: c) Led the Awadh rebels in Lucknow
Explanation: She emerged as a key leader of the revolt in Lucknow.
95. After annexation, the British promised reforms in Awadh such as:
a) Better land settlement
b) Efficient justice
c) End of taluqdari abuses
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: But in practice, reforms led to greater exploitation.
96. Why was Awadh annexation considered a betrayal by Indians?
a) Nawabs were loyal allies of the British
b) Nawab had supported British in wars
c) Awadh was not hostile before 1856
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Nawabs were loyal, yet betrayed for greed.
97. The annexation of Awadh is regarded as:
a) Justified reform
b) Economic boon
c) High-handed imperialism
d) A French conspiracy
Answer: c) High-handed imperialism
Explanation: Historians view it as one of Dalhousie’s harshest acts.
98. Which British official strongly opposed annexation of Awadh?
a) Sir Henry Lawrence
b) Lord Canning
c) John Shore
d) Cornwallis
Answer: a) Sir Henry Lawrence
Explanation: He warned that annexation would provoke unrest.
99. The annexation of Awadh in 1856 turned which city into the epicenter of 1857 revolt?
a) Kanpur
b) Delhi
c) Lucknow
d) Allahabad
Answer: c) Lucknow
Explanation: Lucknow became a major center of resistance.
100. The annexation of Awadh is considered one of the most important causes of:
a) Battle of Plassey
b) Battle of Buxar
c) Revolt of 1857
d) Anglo-Sikh Wars
Answer: c) Revolt of 1857
Explanation: The discontent of sepoys, taluqdars, and peasants erupted in rebellion.