Critically examine the British policy of annexation in Awadh.

OR

Examine how art and literature presented Rani Laxmibai as a heroic figure of the revolt of 1857.

As a part of a territorial annexation, the British decided to annex Awadh because they felt it had good soil to grow cotton and indigo. The annexation of Awadh was carried out by dethroning the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah by accusing him of misgovernment. But the British didn’t realised that the Nawab was a popular rulerand loved by the people. This created a dissatisfaction among people when the Nawab was dethroned causing the revolt of Awadh.

OR

The Revolt of 1857 inspired several paintings and art. Several poems, posters and paintings were made about Rani Laxmibai to show her courage and valour as she fought against the British. These pieces of art depicted her as a heroic figure fighting in the battle against the British. Many poems are now taught in schools about Rani Laxmibai depicting her as a heroic figure.