Q. Who was the founder of the autonomous kingdom of Awadh or Oudh?
(a) Safdar Jang
(b) Saadat Khan
(c) Shuja-ud-daula
(d) Asaf-ud-daula
Ans: (b) Saadat Khan
Explanation: The founder of the autonomous kingdom of Awadh or Oudh was (b) Saadat Khan. Saadat Khan, also known as Burhan-ul-Mulk, was a Persian noble and military commander who established the autonomous kingdom of Awadh in the early 18th century. He served as the Nawab (ruler) of Awadh from 1722 to 1739. Saadat Khan was appointed as the governor of Awadh by the Mughal Empire but gradually consolidated his power and established an independent rule over the region. He laid the foundation for the Awadh state, which would later become a significant power in northern India.