5. Historical Revisionism: Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s Journey to Metiabruz

A new biographical translation, Wajid Ali Shah: A Cultural and Literary Legacy, authored by his descendant Kaukub Quder Sajjad Ali Meerza and translated by Talat Fatima, challenges the long-standing colonial narrative regarding the exile of the last King of Awadh. The book asserts that Wajid Ali Shah was not forcibly exiled to Calcutta as a prisoner but travelled there of his own volition in 1856. His primary objective was to use Calcutta as a transit point to board a ship to London, intending to petition Queen Victoria and the British Parliament against the \'unjust\' annexation of Awadh under the Doctrine of Lapse. Summary of Key Historical Insights • Challenging the Exile Narrative: Contrary to popular belief that the British deported him as punishment, the Nawab moved to Calcutta voluntarily to seek legal and political redress in England. • The London Petition: The Nawab aimed to present a case against British atrocities and his illegal dethronement. However, his departure was restricted by the British, leading to his permanent settlement in Metiabruz (Kolkata). • Cultural and Literary Contributions: Wajid Ali Shah was a prolific writer and poet, composing works in Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and Braj Bhasha. His writings often depicted Hindu deities like Radha and Krishna, reflecting a deeply syncretic and secular ethos. • Metiabruz as \'Chhota Lucknow\': During his three decades in Calcutta, he recreated the cultural splendor of Lucknow, establishing a mini-kingdom with its own architecture, zoo, and musical gatherings. • Documentary Evidence: The biography utilizes meticulously researched data on his life events and highlights a vast collection of literary \'love letters\' addressed to his Begums, many of which are preserved at Fort William.• Secular Legacy: The book emphasizes his \'secular to the core\' nature, showcasing his respect for diverse religious traditions and his role as a patron of the arts, including the development of Kathak and Thumri. Key Definitions • Doctrine of Lapse: An annexation policy applied by Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856) stating that any princely state under British influence would be annexed if the ruler died without a natural heir or was \'misgoverned.\' • Metiabruz: The suburb in Kolkata where Wajid Ali Shah lived from 1856 until his death in 1887, known for its distinct Awadhi-influenced culture. • Thumri: A semi-classical Indian vocal form that reached its pinnacle under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah (often using the pen name \'Akhtarpiya\'). Historical & Legal Context • Annexation of Awadh (1856): Awadh was annexed on the grounds of \'maladministration,\' a departure from the usual \'Doctrine of Lapse.\' This event was a major spark for the Revolt of 1857. • Treaty of 1801: The subsidiary alliance that had already stripped Awadh of its military power, making the Nawab a titular head under British protection. • Fort William: Originally the seat of the Bengal Presidency, it now serves as a significant repository for historical records and letters from the Nawab’s era in Calcutta. Conclusion The shift in narrative from \'forced exile\' to \'thwarted diplomatic mission\' adds a new layer to Indian historiography. It portrays Wajid Ali Shah not as a passive, hedonistic ruler—as colonial historians often depicted him—but as a proactive petitioner seeking justice within the British legal framework. His stay in Calcutta ultimately transformed the city’s cultural landscape, merging the refined traditions of Lucknow with the cosmopolitan nature of Bengal. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper I (History): Modern Indian history from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present-significant events, personalities, issues. • GS Paper I (Art & Culture): Contribution of Wajid Ali Shah to Kathak, Thumri, and Hindustani classical music; Syncretic culture (Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb). • Mains: Analyzing the causes of the 1857 Revolt and the role of the annexation of Awadh as a sociopolitical trigger.