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 correct answer is (a) Awadh.
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 in northern India, with its capital at Lucknow.
The annexation of Awadh took place in 1856 under the administration of Lord Dalhousie, who was the Governor-General of India at that time. The British East India Company accused the ruler, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, of misrule and maladministration. The British claimed that his misgovernance was leading to unrest and instability in the region.
Using these allegations as a pretext, the British deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and annexed the state of Awadh in 1856. This decision was met with strong opposition from the people of Awadh and further fueled the sentiments of resentment and rebellion against British colonial rule.