Wajid Ali Shah was the last Nawab of Awadh, deposed by the British in 1856. His annexation helped trigger the Revolt of 1857, while his own court reshaped Kathak dance.
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Modern History · ModHist0173
Wajid Ali Shah
The last Nawab of Awadh, deposed into a lifetime of patronage
30 Jul 1822
Born in Lucknow.
13 Feb 1847
Becomes the eleventh, and last, Nawab of Awadh.
11 Feb 1856
Deposed; the British annex Awadh, citing “maladministration.”
1 Sep 1887
Dies in exile, at Metiabruz, near Calcutta.
A kingdom lost, a Lucknow rebuilt
In exile, Wajid Ali Shah built a “second Lucknow” at Metiabruz, and shaped Kathak into the art form still performed today.
Must Know
- Wajid Ali Shah was born on 30 July 1822, in Lucknow.
- He became Nawab of Awadh on 13 February 1847, its eleventh and last ruler.
- The British annexed Awadh on 11 February 1856, citing “maladministration.”
- They deposed him, and exiled him to Calcutta, where he arrived in May 1856.
- He settled at Metiabruz, near Calcutta, building a “second Lucknow” there.
- He was a major patron of Kathak dance, giving it a more artistic, definite form as a court art.
- He also composed thumri music, under the pen name “Akhtarpiya,” including the famous “Babul Mora.”
- During the 1857 Revolt, the British imprisoned him in Fort William, fearing he might become a rallying figure for rebels.
- His wife, Begum Hazrat Mahal, led resistance in Awadh during 1857, on behalf of their son, Birjis Qadr.
Good to Know
- He also patronised poets, including Mirza Ghalib, granting him an annual stipend from 1854.
- He helped establish a form of Hindustani theatre, staging Rahas performances at his own court.
- Some historians regard him as the first playwright of Hindustani theatre.
- He wrote prolifically himself, in Urdu and Persian, authoring dozens of books.
- He lived on a large annual pension in exile, reported at 12 lakh rupees.
- He died on 1 September 1887, in Calcutta, and was buried at the Sibtainbad Imambara, in Metiabruz.
Test Yourself
Great to Know
- The annexation of Awadh caused deep unrest, and became one of the real causes behind the 1857 Revolt.
- Later historians have questioned the “maladministration” pretext. Awadh was effectively under British influence, even before annexation.
- His court-based Kathak patronage helped shape the Lucknow gharana, one of Kathak’s major surviving traditions today.
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The Universities Act of 1904, which tightened government control over Indian universities, was passed during whose Viceroyalty?The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 was started in direct response to which event?With reference to the Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements: 1. It contributed to the revival of indigenous artisan crafts and industries. 2. The National Council of Education was established as a part of the Swadeshi Movement.Which of the following are true in the context of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905? 1. Massive demonstrations were held in Bengal. 2. Hartal was observed in Calcutta. 3. The movement was initiated by the moderates, but was taken over by the revolutionary nationalists at a later stage.🎲 Take a Modern Indian History Quiz
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