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.

Why did Saadat Khan manage to become autonomous?

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

18th Century Post-Mughal States

UPSC Archival Analysis

Exam Year

2008

Evidence Source

Link

ID: MED_REG_2008_85 Ref: Satish Chandra, Medieval India

First Nawab of Oudh: