01 How did the annexation of Awadh increase military and rural discontent in the Revolt of 1857?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. It affected interests of soldiers, peasants and taluqdars
Explanation: The direct answer is A: the annexation affected the interests of soldiers, peasants, and taluqdars. The British annexed Awadh in 1856, claiming misgovernment. Many soldiers in the Bengal Army came from Awadh, so the annexation disturbed their families and social world. Peasants suffered when revenue demands and land arrangements changed. Taluqdars lost estates, authority, and income under new British arrangements. Thus several connected groups developed resentment, helping create the atmosphere of 1857. Option A correctly joins these military and rural causes. Option B is impossible because Congress did not receive power. Option C concerns the later Civil Disobedience movement, not Awadh’s annexation. Option D refers to a later commission. Exam cue: Awadh’s annexation united sepoy, peasant, and taluqdar grievances.