Mirza Wajid Ali Shah, born on July 30, 1822, was the last Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. His reign and personal life are notable for their cultural and artistic achievements, as well as for the political turmoil leading to the annexation of Awadh by the British. Here are more details about his life:
Early Life and Ascension
- Birth: Wajid Ali Shah was born on 30 July 1822, in Lucknow, the capital of the Kingdom of Awadh.
- Parentage: He was the son of Amjad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh, and his mother was Khas Mahal.
- Ascension to Throne: Wajid Ali Shah ascended the throne on February 13, 1847, after the death of his father.
Reign as Nawab
- Cultural Patronage: Wajid Ali Shah is often remembered more for his patronage of the arts than for his political achievements. He was a poet, playwright, dancer, and musician.
- Kathak Dance: He was a great patron of Kathak and contributed significantly to its development.
- Music and Drama: He composed numerous ragas and thumris and wrote plays such as "Radha Kanhaiya Ka Qissa."
- Architecture: He contributed to the architectural heritage of Lucknow, including the construction of the Kaiserbagh Palace complex.
- Administrative Challenges: His reign faced significant administrative challenges, including financial mismanagement and growing discontent among the populace.
Annexation of Awadh
- British East India Company: The British were increasingly influential in Awadh's affairs. In 1856, citing misgovernance, the British East India Company annexed Awadh.
- Deposition: Wajid Ali Shah was deposed and exiled to Calcutta (now Kolkata) where he lived the remainder of his life.
- Efforts to Reclaim Throne: Despite his efforts to appeal to the British Crown and garner support to reclaim his throne, he was unsuccessful.
Exile and Later Life
- Life in Exile: In Calcutta, Wajid Ali Shah continued to patronize the arts and maintained a court that became a cultural hub.
- Poetry and Music: He continued to write poetry and music during his exile, including the famous composition "Babul Mora Naihar Chhooto Hi Jaye," expressing his sorrow and sense of loss.
- Death: Wajid Ali Shah passed away on 21 September 1887, in Calcutta.
Legacy
- Cultural Contributions: Despite his political downfall, Wajid Ali Shah's legacy endures through his contributions to Indian culture, particularly in music, dance, and poetry.
- Historical Impact: His reign and the subsequent annexation of Awadh are significant events in the history of British colonial expansion in India, leading up to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Wajid Ali Shah remains a complex and multifaceted historical figure, remembered both for his cultural patronage and the political events that led to the end of his rule.
