“A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day” Explain

• In 1851, Governor General Dalhousie referred to the kingdom of Awadh as “a cherry that will drop into our mouth one day”.

• The British annexed Awadh in 1856, five years after Lord Dalhousie's remark.

• The British conquest of Awadh took place in stages, beginning with the imposition of the Subsidiary Alliance in 1801.

• Under the Subsidiary Alliance, the Nawab of Awadh was required to disband his military force and allow the British troops within the kingdom.

• The British Resident was attached to the court of the Nawab, and the Nawab was required to act in accordance with the advice of the Resident.

• As a result of the Subsidiary Alliance, the Nawab became increasingly dependent on the British to maintain law and order within the kingdom.

• The British were interested in acquiring Awadh due to the fertile soil for producing indigo and cotton, as well as its strategic location for trade.

• By the 1850s, the British had conquered all major areas of India, and the annexation of Awadh was seen as completing the process of territorial expansion that began with the conquest of Bengal.

• The takeover of Awadh led to a popular revolt in 1857, known as the Indian Rebellion, which was eventually suppressed by the British.