Loss of Power for Nawabs | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

Loss of Power for Nawabs

Since the mid-eighteenth century, nawabs and rajas had seen their power erode. They had gradually lost their authority and honour. Residents had been stationed in many courts, the freedom of the rulers reduced, their armed forces disbanded, and their revenues and territories taken away by stages.

Failed Negotiations of Ruling Families

• Many ruling families attempted to negotiate with the Company to safeguard their interests.
• For instance, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi sought recognition for her adopted son as the heir after her husband’s death.
• Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, requested his father’s pension upon the latter’s passing.
• However, the Company, assured of its power and military strength, rejected these requests.

Fig: Governor- General Dalhousie.

Annexation of Awadh

• Awadh was one of the last territories to be annexed. In 1801, a subsidiary alliance was imposed on Awadh, and in 1856 it was taken over. 
• Governor-General Dalhousie declared that the territory was being misgoverned and British rule was needed to ensure proper administration.

Plans to End the Mughal Dynasty

• The Company even began to plan how to bring the Mughal dynasty to an end. The name of the Mughal king was removed from the coins minted by the Company. 
• In 1849, Governor-General Dalhousie announced that after the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the family of the king would be shifted out of the Red Fort and given another place in Delhi to reside in.

Fig: Bahadur Shah Zafar.

• In 1856, Governor-General Canning decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal king and after his death none of his descendants would be recognized as kings – they would just be called princes.