ABSTRACT
The chapter focuses on some of the significant political decisions taken by Asaf and Wajid that not only represented their political prowess but also offered forms of resistance to colonial coercions of controlling military, agricultural, and trade in the region. Beginning with a discussion on the emerging significance of Lucknow, which Asaf foresaw, and hence, he moved his capital, the chapter provides instances of the nawabs’ political agendas and foresights, their administrative and trading policies, and employment of women and khwajasaras in administration and defense, which redefined traditionally masculine vocations. The intention is to illustrate how these practices were partly to circumvent colonial oppression without direct confrontation and partly to advance a highly sophisticated political practice.
