B. The first Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) was Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk, who established the independent state in 1722. He was a high-ranking Mughal official who consolidated power in the fertile Awadh region.

UPPCS Mains 2008

18th Century Post-Mughal States

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

First Nawab of Oudh:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept As the Mughal Empire decentralized in the 18th century, 'Successor States' like Awadh emerged. These were led by powerful governors who turned their provinces into hereditary kingdoms.

Explanation Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk was appointed the Subadar (Governor) of Awadh in 1722 by Emperor Muhammad Shah. He effectively laid the foundation of the independent Nawab of Oudh dynasty. He managed to reduce Mughal influence while keeping the province stable and prosperous.

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: Saadat Khan was the pioneer who transformed the province into an autonomous state.

Logic 2: Safdarjung and Shuja-ud-Daula were his successors, while Asaf-ud-Daula is famous for shifting the capital to Lucknow much later.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Saadat Khan manage to become autonomous?

Answer

He controlled the rich agricultural revenues of the Gangetic plain and suppressed the local rebellious zamindars to consolidate his own power.

Core Insight

The rise of Saadat Khan illustrates how the 'Subadar' became a 'Nawab,' moving from a servant of the Emperor to a sovereign ruler.

First Nawab of Oudh:

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

Practice Navigation