The Kingdom of Awadh: Its History, Polity and Administration

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The region of Awadh has attracted the attention of people the world over. We also find considerable literature on the history and culture of Awadh. But somehow authentic material on the administrative aspects of the kingdom of Awadh is scanty. The present book on the Administration of Awadh covers the period between 1720 and 1856. It provides an analysis on various aspects of Awadh administration including revenue, justice, police, military and miscellaneous wherein education, health, forest, etc., are covered. For the purposes of interlinking a brief discussion about art, music, architecture, literature, etc., is also there which provides the set- ting for the Awadh administration. On the whole it is hoped that the book will be able to satisfy the inquisitive minds and should provide an interesting reading as well.

DR. S.N. SINGH (b. 1941) is Professor in the Department of Public Administration Lucknow University. He has long academic career spanning over more than three decades. He has been on a teaching and training assignment with the LBS National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie from 1980 to 1984. Dr. Singh has published about 40 research papers in leading national journals. He has eight books to his credit on various themes connected with Indian government and politics. Dr. Singh has completed six research projects sponsored by the UGC, ICSSR and Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. He has also produced eight Ph.D.s and one D.Litt. His active involvement with teaching, research and training at various levels has given him deep insight to handle the subjects of social relevance.

History has its own importance and relevance in the study of institutions and events. A rational and objective expression helps in realistic understanding. The history of Awadh has often been found oscillating between facts and opinions biased to the core. Several accounts are reported about the culture, art, music and various other social activities. However, not much literature could be found about the administration of Awadh during the period of Nawabs and Kings. Also the literature available emitted different signals which made the formation of rationalistic opinion rather difficult. The study of the administration in Awadh during the period of Nawabs (1720- 1856) is one where for a large period the indigenous administrative system operated along with a foreign pattern as the East India Company had taken an effective control. We have, therefore, tried to present the system of administration of Awadh with an eye on these factors too as in its absence we are likely to miss the realistic vision. The various facets of administration include general, revenue, justice, military and miscellaneous. We have tried to probe the British influence on the administration as well. While going through the literature on the subject, one has come across several connotations of the term Awadh. We find that Awadh has been spelled differently as Oude, Oudh, Avadh by several scholars. After scanning through various spellings one finds that 'Awadh' seems to be more appropriate. Michel H. Fisher too has made similar observation in his book on Awadh, as well as several others. However, it is only the choice of the author to choose amongst those, which one thinks as appropriate.