Prelims 2026 · Modern History and the Freedom Struggle · Question 17
Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 :<br/><br/>1. The **taluqdars** were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.<br/>2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the **taluqdars** were outsiders.<br/>3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the **taluqdars**.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?<br/>
Answer
2 and 3 only
1 is incorrect: after annexation the taluqdars were disarmed and their forts were destroyed, not retained. 2 is correct: the 1856 Summary Settlement treated taluqdars as interlopers/outsiders. 3 is correct: the British aimed to bypass them and settle revenue more directly with peasants or village-level proprietors. Hence, 2 and 3 only.