Why Nawab Wajid Ali Shah appointed his lovers to important positions in his court

The British make a case that Wajid was effeminate, childlike, and emasculated by spending his time with women and eunuchs. This the British considered inappropriate, believing that he was easily controlled by them. Wajid, however, employed people of all identities without qualms. Khwajasaras, for example, were given positions of power equal to those of the aristocracy. The way Wajid attributed value to people was based not on their origin but rather on their accomplishments, especially in terms of the arts. These individuals are described in colonial texts – such as that of Sidney Hay – as “low caste,” “lewd entertainers,” and “low friends,” and the act of keeping their company as “disgusting debauchery”. That did not align with the British idea of political behaviour (astuteness) and they were quick to attribute Wajid as incapable to rule because of these reasons.

The text also clearly highlights the disdain in the writer’s voice for not just the important positions but also the “enormous fortunes” the khwajasaras and other people of lower rank and privilege under the employ of the nawab were making. Vanita’s work gives us a more nuanced understanding of gender roles in Awadh. She cites Khalil Ahmed Siddiqi’s use of the...

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