Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Signed King of Oudh Awadh Autograph India Royalty Document

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Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Signed King of Oudh Awadh Autograph India Royalty Document:
$424.96

For your consideration is an exceedingly rare and historically significant c.1883 royal manuscript document, hand-signed by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last King of Oudh (Awadh). This extraordinary artifact offers a unique glimpse into the political dynamics and royal governance of 19th-century India, during a turbulent period marked by colonial intervention and internal palace intrigue. The document is preserved in its original, fragile condition, written on watermarked paper that remains brittle and delicate due to its historical age. A vernacular translation accompanies the manuscript, providing valuable context and enhancing its historical importance.

This document concerns the residence and conduct of Prince Qara Muhammad Mirza Bahadur, also known as Burray Mirza, the eldest grandson of King Wajid Ali Shah. It discusses his living arrangements within the Queens palace and instructs him to behave appropriately and maintain a conciliatory tone. The letter was forwarded by Lieutenant Colonel W.F. Prideaux, Agent to the Governor General of India, reflecting the colonial administrations involvement in the internal affairs of the deposed Oudh monarchy. The document is addressed to Chief Queen Khus Mahal Sahibah, a powerful and influential figure in the royal court, further emphasizing the political and familial complexities within the exiled Oudh dynasty.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (18221887) was the last King of Oudh, deposed by the British East India Company in 1856 under the orders of Lord Dalhousie, allegedly for mismanagement and extravagance. Known for his cultural patronage, poetry, and musical compositions, Wajid Ali Shah was also famously portrayed as the "Chess Player" (Shatranj Ke Khiladi) in Munshi Premchands short story, later adapted into a celebrated film by Satyajit Ray. After his deposition, he was exiled to Garden Reach, Calcutta, where he continued to live under British supervision. This document was written during his exile in Calcutta, reflecting his ongoing role in royal administration and family governance, even in his diminished political capacity.

The document also provides insight into the complex relationships within the Oudh royal family, highlighting the position of Prince Qara Muhammad Mirza Bahadur, the eldest surviving son of Prince Hamid Ali, and his interactions with Chief Queen Khus Mahal Sahibah, a prominent figure in Oudhs royal hierarchy. Khus Mahal Sahibah, also known as Nawab Azam Banu Begum, was a poetess and influential queen, celebrated for her literary contributions under the pen name "Alam". Her historical and cultural significance is intricately woven into the fabric of Oudhs court life, enhancing the documents value as a cultural and historical artifact.

This royal manuscript is not only a historical document but also a cultural treasure, offering a rare glimpse into the political intrigues, royal administration, and colonial interactions of 19th-century India. Its personal connection to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and Chief Queen Khus Mahal Sahibah, combined with its historical context and royal provenance, make it a one-of-a-kind collectible for connoisseurs of Indian royalty, colonial history, and royal manuscripts. The documents authenticity, original condition, and accompanying vernacular translation provide invaluable historical insight into the legacy and influence of the Oudh dynasty, making it an exceptional addition to prestigious collections of royal memorabilia, historical manuscripts, or Indian political history.

This exceedingly rare and important hand-signed royal manuscript stands as a magnificent testament to the legacy of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and the cultural and political history of Oudh, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own an authentic piece of Indian royal history.