The kingdom of Awadh was annexed by the English East India Company, on the grounds of misgovernment, in:

The kingdom of Awadh (Oudh) was annexed by the English East India Company in February 1856, on the grounds of misgovernment.

Background:

• Awadh had been an ally of the Company since the Battle of Buxar (1764).
• Over the years, the Nawabs had to give up large parts of their territory and pay for British troops stationed in Awadh.
• The British Resident at Lucknow had great influence over the Nawab's government.

The annexation:

• The Company accused the Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, of misrule, citing reports of disorder and poor administration.
• The Nawab was asked to sign a treaty handing over the administration; when he refused, Awadh was annexed by a proclamation.
• Awadh was not annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse, because the Nawab had heirs; the reason given was misgovernment.
• Wajid Ali Shah was sent to Calcutta, where he lived at Metiabruz on a pension until his death in 1887.

NCERT on the annexation:

• NCERT notes that the annexation of Awadh caused deep resentment.
• The Nawab was popular, and people grieved at his departure; many followed him to Calcutta, singing songs of lament.
• The removal of the Nawab led to the dissolution of the court and its culture; musicians, dancers, poets, cooks and officials lost their livelihood.
• The British introduced the Summary Settlement of 1856, which removed many taluqdars (landholders) from their estates.

Effects:

• The annexation was one of the main causes of the Revolt of 1857 in Awadh, where the Revolt took the form of a popular uprising.
• It also alarmed the sepoys of the Bengal Army, many of whom came from Awadh.

About Wajid Ali Shah:

• He was a patron of music, dance (Kathak) and poetry, and himself a poet and composer.
• His thumri "Babul Mora Naihar Chhooto Jaye" is believed to express his grief at leaving Lucknow.

Why not the other options?

• ✗1848, 1853 and 1858 are not the year of the annexation.