Book excerpt: Awadh is synonymous in history with its eventful nawabi reign that lasted for over a century. Awadh’s dynasty was founded in a humble habitat on the banks of the River Saryu near Ayodhya. The place was named Faizabad and grew to become the political capital and a renowned centre of culture and prosperity under its successive nawabs. Faizabad’s tryst with its royalty lasted for over half a century before passing the baton to Lucknow, which became the new capital of Awadh. The new first city shed its old husk to adorn a fresh one. The praxis, customs, etiquettes, poetry, art and craft that its royalty fashioned remain alive to this day.