5th Nawab of Awadh

The 5th Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, ruled from 1847 to 1856. He was known for his patronage of arts, particularly music and dance, and contributed to the cultural richness of the region. However, his reign coincided with British colonial expansion, leading to policies that weakened his power. In 1856, the British annexed Awadh, citing misgovernance, and exiled him. Wajid Ali Shah's legacy includes the promotion of Thumri music and the development of the Lucknow gharana, impacting Indian classical music. His life reflects the tensions between Indian rulers and British colonialism in the 19th century.