Q. The Annexation of Awadh was followed by a summary settlement in 1856. The class hardest hit by this was
(a) Peasants
(b) Taluqdars
(c) Disbanded soldiers
(d) Estate’s Retainers
Ans: (b) Taluqdars
Explanation: The class hardest hit by the summary settlement that followed the Annexation of Awadh in 1856 was (b) Taluqdars. The Taluqdars, who were landowners and influential landlords in Awadh (Oudh), suffered the most from the settlement. The summary settlement involved the confiscation of land and the abolition of the taluqdari system, which was the land tenure system prevalent in Awadh. The Taluqdars lost their land and privileges, leading to significant economic and social consequences for them. The settlement aimed to consolidate British control over the region and reorganize the landholding system, but it had severe repercussions for the Taluqdars who were dispossessed of their lands and power.