Option 1 states that if the Nawab of Awadh had allied with the British, then Awadh would not have been annexed. This option suggests that if the Nawab had formed a strong alliance with the British, it would have prevented the annexation.

Option 2, the correct answer, states that if the Nawab had not refused to introduce reforms as suggested by the British, Awadh would not have been annexed. This option implies that the British had suggested reforms to the Nawab, and if he had implemented them, it could have prevented the annexation.

Option 3 states that if the Nawab had fought against the British, Awadh would not have been annexed. This option suggests that if the Nawab had engaged in a military conflict with the British, it could have prevented the annexation.

Option 4 states that if the Nawab had been a natural heir, Awadh would not have been annexed. This option implies that if the Nawab had a stronger claim to the throne or had a better relationship with the British as a hereditary ruler, it could have prevented annexation.

In conclusion, the correct answer implies that if the Nawab of Awadh had not refused to introduce reforms as suggested by the