Awadh was merged under British rule in 1856 due to the merger policy of Lord Dalhousie.

Background:
• Awadh was a princely state in North India, which was ruled by the Nawabs of Awadh.
• The state was located in the central Ganges plain and was known for its rich culture, architecture, and cuisine.
• The Nawabs of Awadh were known for their patronage of art, music, and literature, and the state was considered a center of culture and learning.

Lord Dalhousie's Merger Policy:
• Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856.
• He implemented a policy of annexation and merger of Indian states, which was known as the Doctrine of Lapse.
• According to this policy, any Indian state that lacked a natural heir could be annexed by the British.
• Lord Dalhousie believed that the Indian states were inefficient and corrupt and needed to be modernized and reformed under British rule.

Annexation of Awadh:
• In 1856, Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse to Awadh, as the Nawab of Awadh did not have a natural heir.
• However, the annexation of Awadh was not smooth, as it led to widespread protests and uprisings among the local population.
• The annexation of Awadh was also criticized by many British officials, who felt that it was unjust and would lead to unrest in other parts of India.

Impact of Annexation:
• The annexation of Awadh had a profound impact on the history of India, as it marked the end of the Mughal Empire and the beginning of British India.
• The annexation also led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as many Indian soldiers and civilians revolted against British rule.
• The rebellion was eventually crushed by the British, but it led to significant changes in the administration of India and the relationship between the British and the Indian people.