Option b is the correct answer. Saadat Ali Khan I was the first Nawab of Awadh who laid the foundation of that state. He is also known as Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk. He was appointed as Subadar Nawab (Governor) of Awadh in 1722 by Mughal Emperor Muhammad shah. He created the independent state of Awadh. However, such independent states like Awadh continued to maintain ties with the Mughals and acknowledged and accepted the Mughal emperor's supreme authority.