Answer: (a)

Explanation:
After the annexation of Awadh in 1856, the British adopted a policy aimed at restructuring land revenue administration by weakening the power of the traditional landed aristocracy, especially the taluqdars.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Although the taluqdars were indeed dispossessed of their estates, they were not allowed to retain their arms and forts; rather, the British actively disarmed them and dismantled their military and fortified power to prevent resistance. Immediately following the annexation, Lord Dalhousie's administration ordered a comprehensive disarmament campaign. Taluqdars were forced to dismantle their mud forts and surrender their weaponry; they were certainly not allowed to retain them.

Statement 2 is correct: British carried out a Summary Revenue Settlement in 1856–57, operating on the assumption that taluqdars were largely outsiders who had unjustly appropriated village lands, and therefore their rights were not legitimate.

Statement 3 is correct: British policy was influenced by the belief that revenue collection would be more efficient and just if it was done directly from the peasants, bypassing the taluqdars who were seen as intermediaries and exploitative middlemen. Hence, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.