Exile of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah

The ruler who was observed as "The life was gone out of the body" during his exile was Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was the last Nawab of Awadh (Oudh), a region in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

Exile of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah:
During the British East India Company's rule in India, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's reign faced political turmoil and interference from the British. In 1856, the British annexed Awadh, deposing the Nawab and exiling him to Calcutta (now Kolkata). This exile was a significant event in the history of Awadh and had a profound impact on the Nawab's life and the region as a whole.

Reasons for Exile:
The British East India Company decided to annex Awadh due to various reasons, including:
1. Political instability: The British alleged that Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was unable to maintain law and order in the region, which led to political instability.
2. Economic control: Awadh was a prosperous region, and the British aimed to gain control over its resources and revenue.
3. Doctrine of Lapse: The British also exploited the Doctrine of Lapse, a policy that allowed them to annex princely states if they lacked a direct male heir. Although Nawab Wajid Ali Shah had heirs, the British disregarded this and used it as a pretext for annexation.

Impact of Exile:
The exile of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah had significant consequences:
1. Cultural loss: The Nawab was a renowned patron of arts, literature, and music. His exile resulted in the loss of the vibrant cultural scene that had flourished under his patronage in Awadh.
2. Socio-economic decline: The annexation of Awadh led to the decline of its economy, as the British implemented policies that favored their own interests. The region faced agricultural and economic distress, impacting the livelihood of its people.
3. Resistance and rebellion: The exile of the popular Nawab and the British policies sparked discontent among the people of Awadh. This eventually culminated in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, which saw widespread rebellion against British rule.

Conclusion:
The exile of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was a significant event that had far-reaching consequences for the region of Awadh. His removal from power and subsequent exile not only led to the loss of a cultural and artistic legacy but also contributed to the socio-economic decline and eventual uprising against British rule. The observation that "The life was gone out of the body" reflects the profound impact of exile on Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and the state of Awadh under British control.