Abstract and Keywords
This chapter examines political and administrative developments in Awadh. The province was barely out of its difficulties when Burhan-ul-Mulk took charge of Awadh in 1722. The zamindars still resisted the imperial regulations which, in many cases, also implied difficulties for those in the disturbed areas who did not have caste links with the rebels. Under Burhan-ul-Mulk and later in the time of the subadari of Safdar Jang, a number of changes were also introduced in the administrative structure of the province. These changes related to jagir administration, the position of the faujdars and ijara, and had strong bearings on the provincial government’s relations with local social groups. The governors formed strong ties with the old zamindars but also kept them in check so that the resources they garnered did not outweigh the Mughal power. The governor increased the privileges of the old zamindars and the madad-i-ma‘ash holder shaikhzadas by almost giving them ijaras under an arrangement called ta‘ahhud where they had fiscal, legal and other powers. But, the revenue assessment was increased to realize more collection and building up a strong provincial army. The Awadhis formed a major portion of the Mughal and provincial army. These factors helped Awadh in gaining stability and also the provincial governor to become more independent with the help of local elements. A new subadari or ‘successor state’ had emerged by the 1740s.
Keywords: Mughal empire, provincial administration, local administration, jagir administration,
faujdar, Burhan-ul-Mulk, Safdar Jang, Awadhis, Old zamindars, Shaikhzadas, new Subadari
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243Growth of Nawabi Rule in Awadh and its Relations with Local Social Group
IN CONTRAST TO THE PUNJAB, the new subadari in Awadh was established on substantially stable ground. Despite the unmistakable signs of the decline of imperial control over the province, growth in a large part of Awadh and the regions close to its borders on the west, south and east continued from the seventeenth to the eighteenth century. The new subadar was strong and could effect changes in administration, make an arrangement with the local magnates, namely, the zamindars, the madad-i ma‘ash holders and some other urban elements. By 1722 when Burhan-ul-Mulk took charge of Awadh, the province was barely out of its difficulties. The zamindars still resisted the imperial regulations successfully which in many cases also implied difficulties for those in the disturbed areas who did not have caste links with the rebels. They also had to bear the oppression of local officials—the jagirdars or the ijaradars who seem to have hardly been accountable to any superior authority. Under Burhan-ul- Mulk and later in the time of the subadari of Safdar Jang, a number of changes were introduced in the administrative structure of the province. These changes related to jagir administration, the position of the faujdars and ijara and had strong bearings on the provincial government’s relations with local social groups.