Sending cash gifts for the holy shrines in Najaf and Karbala had been among the most significant cultural- spiritual customs in India. Not only ordinary shi’ites also Nowab, Kings and Royal families used to send such gifts for the sake of holy purpose and spiritual intention. Attributed to Awadh, a northern province, Awadh Bequest or Endowment historically formed from 18th century when Assefoddowlah began to fund Najaf irrigation project during the famine. The Bequest then underwent historical evolution since mid 19th century when the British began to distribute the cash among Ulama of Najaf and Karbala. The British tried to use it as a political tool for theire own benefit. The main question is how could former Awadh Bequest as a cultural-spiritual phenomenonle turned into a political tool in terms of historical process?
Based on the historical method, this article is compiled by data collecting from library materials, having access to the original sources in the British Library and National Archives in London.