Nawab Wajid-Ali-Shah’s first wife was “Alam Ara” who was also known as “Khas Mahal” because of his intense beauty.
He led his kingdom under Treaty with British and had impoverished Awadh by imposing a hugely expensive, British-run army and repeated demands for loans. He was a poet, playwright, dancer and great patron of the arts. He is widely credited with the revival of Kathak as a major form of classical Indian dance. He was generous, kind and compassionate towards his subjects, besides being one of the most magnanimous and passionate patrons of fine arts in the Indian tradition. He took a keen interest in the administration of justice, introduced reforms, and reorganized the military.