Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 :
1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.
2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders.
3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Correct Option: (a) 2 and 3 only

The correct option is (a) 2 and 3 only. Immediately following the annexation of Awadh in 1856, the British implemented a Summary Revenue Settlement assuming taluqdars were mere intermediaries and interlopers who had no permanent rights, aiming to settle revenue directly with the cultivators (Statements 2 and 3). However, Statement 1 is incorrect because the dispossessed taluqdars were not only stripped of their estates and revenue-collection rights, but they were also forcefully disarmed and their forts were systematically dismantled.