Ritu, a history student in Lucknow, is reading a set of old letters. In one letter of 1801 the Nawab of Awadh accepts new terms offered by the Company. In later letters he writes again and again to the British Resident at his court, asking for help whenever a chief or taluqdar refuses to obey him. Letters of Company officials from the early 1850s show a growing interest in taking over the territory of Awadh itself. In 1856 the kingdom is formally taken over.
Which of the following best explains the growing British interest in the territory of Awadh seen in the letters of the early 1850s?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Its soil suited indigo and cotton, and it could become the principal market of Upper India
Option (1) Its forests could supply timber for the Company's ships and river boats — Incorrect. Timber was not the reason. The British valued Awadh for its soil and its location for trade.
Option (2) Its taluqdars had offered to pay revenue straight to the Company — Incorrect. The taluqdars were rebellious chiefs the Nawab could not control. They made no such offer to the Company.
Option (3) Its soil suited indigo and cotton, and it could become the principal market of Upper India — Correct. The British thought the soil of Awadh was good for indigo and cotton, both commercial crops. Its location could make it the principal market of Upper India. Taking it would also complete the annexations begun with Bengal.
Option (4) Its rulers had stopped paying for the British troops stationed in the kingdom — Incorrect. Paying for troops was an alliance term, but its failure is not why the British wanted the territory.
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