Dive into the historical Civil Rebellion in Awadh (1799), focusing on Wazir Ali Khan’s defiance against the British, the Benares Massacre, and the consequences of the rebellion. Understand its impact on the region's resistance against colonialism.
Civil Uprisings in India: The Case of the Awadh Rebellion (1799)
Civil Rebellion in Awadh (1799): Causes and Key Events
Wazir Ali Khan, the fourth Nawab of Awadh, ascended the throne in September 1797 with British support.
His relations with the British soon soured, leading to his replacement by his uncle, Saadat Ali Khan II.
Wazir Ali Khan was granted a pension and relocated to Benares.
Massacre of Benares (1799): The Incident that Sparked the Rebellion
In January 1799, Wazir Ali Khan killed a British resident, George Frederik Cherry, during a lunch invitation.
His guards killed two other Europeans and attacked the Magistrate of Benares.
The incident became known as the Massacre of Benares.
Rebellion and Defeat of Wazir Ali Khan: The British Response
Wazir Ali assembled an army of several thousand men, which was defeated by General Erskine.
Wazir Ali fled to Butwal and was granted asylum by the ruler of Jaipur.
Extradition of Wazir Ali Khan: From Asylum to Confinement
Arthur Wellesley requested the Raja of Jaipur to extradite Wazir Ali Khan.
Wazir Ali was extradited on the condition that he would neither be hanged nor put in fetters.
After his surrender in December 1799, he was placed in confinement at Fort William, Calcutta.
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