Answer:

Introduction:
The language that serves as the lingua franca for the rural population in Oudh, blending elements of Urdu and Khadi Boli is Awadhi. Awadhi is primarily spoken in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, India, which includes places like Lucknow, Faizabad, and Ayodhya. It is recognized as one of the major dialects of Hindi and has a rich literary tradition.

Awadhi as the Lingua Franca:
Awadhi has emerged as the lingua franca for the rural population in Oudh due to various factors:

1. Geographical Location: Oudh is located in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, where Awadhi is the dominant language. The geographical proximity and cultural connections between Oudh and Awadh have resulted in the influence of Awadhi on the local dialects in Oudh.

2. Blend of Urdu and Khadi Boli: Awadhi has developed as a blend of Urdu, which is influenced by Persian and Arabic, and Khadi Boli, which is a dialect of Hindi. This blending of elements from both languages has made Awadhi more accessible and understandable to the rural population in Oudh.

3. Historical Significance: Awadhi has a rich historical significance as it was the language of the Nawabs of Awadh, who were the rulers of the region during the Mughal era. The influence of the Nawabs and their courtly culture has contributed to the prominence of Awadhi in the region.

4. Literary Tradition: Awadhi has a vibrant literary tradition, with notable poets like Tulsidas, who wrote the famous epic Ramcharitmanas, and Malik Muhammad Jayasi, who wrote the epic Padmavat, hailing from the Awadh region. The popularity of these literary works has further enhanced the status of Awadhi as a language of importance.

5. Local Identification: Awadhi serves as a means of local identification and cultural expression for the rural population in Oudh. It helps in preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of the region.

In conclusion, Awadhi, with its blend of Urdu and Khadi Boli, serves as the lingua franca for the rural population in Oudh. Its geographical location, historical significance, literary tradition, and cultural identification make it a preferred language of communication in the region.