Q. The ruler of which one of the following states was removed from power by the British on the pretext of misgovernance?
(a) Awadh
(b) Jhansi
(c) Nagpur
(d) Satara
Ans: (a) Awadh
Explanation: The ruler of Awadh (also known as Oudh) was removed from power by the British on the pretext of misgovernance. Awadh was a prominent princely state located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. The Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, was accused of misrule and inefficiency by the British East India Company. In 1856, under the Doctrine of Lapse policy, the British annexed Awadh and deposed Wajid Ali Shah, effectively bringing an end to the independent rule of the Nawabs of Awadh. This action by the British was part of their larger strategy of consolidating their control over various princely states in India.