Development of Awadhi culture in Calcutta under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah(1856-87)

Abstract: Wajid Ali shah was dethroned on the plea of misgovernance and was forced to leave his beloved place and people. Though he was reluctant, but he had no other option but to come to Calcutta and settle here. But once he settled in Calcutta in Matyaburj he did not remained confined to the life his Palace, rather he engaged himself in various cultural and artistic works. This article is aimed at bringing out the literary and cultural contribution of the 11th Nawab of Awadh. While in Calcutta in Matyaburj,he devoted his life to its people till his last breath on 1st September, 1887. The Nawab was a poetic genius himself and patronized many such personalities. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Calcutta as a huge number of family migrated from lucknow and settled in Calcutta to live by the side of their beloved Nawab. The culture that he brought with him has been developing in the city of joy since the time of late king and the people are still getting benefits of his contribution. Keywords: Nawab, Rahas, Awadh, Khansama, Mutah, Parikhana, Jogojashn, Masnavi, Mahroo