Awadh and the British Emergence of Awadh as an Independent State: As the Mughal empire declined and lost its control, Awadh grew stronger and more independent. Awadh was important because it controlled the doab, the fertile plain between the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers and had enough wealth to safeguard its independence from the threats of the increasing influence of the English East India Company. British Enmity with Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula: The third Nawab, Shuja-ud-Daula (1754 AD-1775 AD) broke ranks with the British after forming alliance with Mir Qasim, the deposed Nawab of Bengal. He, along with Mir Qasim and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam Il was decisively defeated at the Battle of Buxar on 22-28 October 1764 AD by the British and was forced to cede parts of his territory. Nawab Sadat Ali Khan Il and Treaty of IOI AD: In 1798 AD, the fifth Nawab Wazir Ali Khan (1797AD-I788 AD) was accused by the British to be unfaithful and uncaring tawards his own people. He was abdicated by the British who placed Saadat Ali Khan a puppet ruler in his place who signed the treaty of 180! which gave the British control over half of Awadh along with its wealth troops and resources to fund and support the British troops. Annexation of Awadh with British India: The final moment came and Awadh was annexed to the English Fast India Company under the terms of the Doctrine of Lapse on the grounds of internal misrule on 7 February 1856 AD by the order of the Governor General of the British East India Company, Lord Dalhousie. British rule The treaty of {801 formed an arrangement that was very beneficial to the Company. They were able ta use Awadh's vast treasuries, repeatedly digging into them for loans at reduced rates. In addition, the revenues from running Awadh's armed forces brought them useful revenues while it acted as a buffer state, The Nawabs were ceremonial kings, busy with pomp and show but with little influence over of state. on of 1857 (also known as the First War of Indian Independence and the Indian took control of Awadh, and it took the British 18 months to reconquer the region, d the famous Siege of Lucknow. viki