Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 : 1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts. 2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders. 3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 2 only
Why the answer is (a)
• After annexing Awadh in 1856 the British treated the taluqdars as usurpers with no rightful claim to the land.
• The Summary Settlement of 1856 was made on the assumption that the taluqdars were outsiders, and it took away large numbers of their villages — statement 2 is correct.
• The policy aimed to settle revenue directly with the actual cultivators, removing the taluqdar intermediaries — statement 3 is correct.
• Statement 1 is wrong: besides losing their estates, the taluqdars were disarmed and their forts demolished; they were not allowed to keep arms and forts.
• This resentment made the taluqdars join the 1857 revolt in Awadh; the answer is 2 and 3 only.
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: the taluqdars were disarmed and their forts destroyed.
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong, so all three cannot be correct.
- (d) 2 only
- Statement 3 is also correct: the British sought direct settlement with the peasants.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.