Begum Hazrat Mahal: The Untold Story of Awadh’s Warrior Queen
By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam
22 May 2025
Begum Hazrat Mahal was a key leader in the 1857 uprising against British rule in Awadh. After her husband Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was exiled, she took charge of the rebellion, defending Lucknow and installing her son Birjis Qadr as the rightful ruler. Her courage made her an enduring symbol of resistance and women’s leadership in India’s freedom struggle
Main Points:
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1. Born Muhammadi Khanum in Faizabad between 1820 and 1830.
2. Father’s name was Gulam Hussain.
3. Had a mut’ah marriage with Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and joined the royal household.
4. Became regent during the 1857 rebellion and declared her son Birjis Qadir Nawab.
5. Died on 7 April 1879 in Kathmandu, where she was buried.
Begum Hazrat Mahal
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Introduction
Begum Hazrat Mahal played a crucial role in the 1857 revolt, standing as one of India’s earliest female leaders in the resistance against British colonial rule. Born in Faizabad as Muhammadi Khanum, she entered Awadh’s royal household through a mut’ah marriage with Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
Wajid Ali Shah, the eleventh and last Nawab of Awadh, ruled from 1847 to 1856 until the British East India Company annexed Awadh, citing administrative misrule. Beyond his political role, he was a patron of the arts, deeply invested in Kathak dance, poetry, and music, shaping Awadhi cultural traditions.
He was the son of Amjad Ali Shah, the tenth Nawab of Awadh, who ruled from 1842 to 1847. With his kingdom lost to British expansion, Wajid Ali Shah was exiled to Calcutta, where he lived under British surveillance until his death in 1887.
After his exile, Begum Hazrat Mahal refused to accept British authority over Awadh. She remained in Lucknow, leading the armed resistance against British forces and declaring her son Birjis Qadr as the rightful ruler. Under her leadership, Awadh’s forces held ground for months, displaying fierce opposition before the eventual British takeover. Her defiance made her a lasting symbol of strength, resistance, and leadership in Indian history.
Early Life
Born between 1820 and 1830, Muhammadi Khanum was the daughter of Gulam Hussain. She likely started in the royal household as a servant or attendant and later became Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s consort through a mut’ah marriage. She gave birth to a son, Birjis Qadr, who later became central to the revolt.
Annexation of Awadh and Rise to Power: The British East India Company annexed Awadh in 1856, citing misrule by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who was then sent into exile in Calcutta. Begum Hazrat Mahal refused to accept British authority and remained in Lucknow with her son. When the 1857 uprising began, she declared Birjis Qadr the Nawab of Awadh and took on the role of regent, effectively leading the administration and military resistance.
Role in the 1857 Rebellion
Begum Hazrat Mahal was an active leader, not just a figurehead. She planned military strategies, managed civil affairs, and united rebel groups. Operating from Qaiserbagh in Lucknow, she allied with leaders like Nana Sahib and Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah. Despite limited resources, under her leadership, Lucknow resisted British forces for several months.
Military Strategy and Resistance
Her knowledge of local geography and support from Awadhi people helped sustain the rebellion. Her forces fought in many battles and held control over key areas. She supervised logistics, supplies, and troop morale, making her one of the rare female commanders in the revolt.
Fall And Exile
In 1858, British forces under General Colin Campbell recaptured Lucknow. Begum Hazrat Mahal refused to surrender and fled to Nepal. There, she lived under restrictions and in relative poverty. The British offered to allow her return only if she accepted political submission, which she refused. She died in Kathmandu on 7 April 1879.
Legacy
For decades, Begum Hazrat Mahal’s contribution was overlooked in colonial and early post-independence histories. Today, she is acknowledged as a vital symbol of resistance and female leadership in India’s struggle against colonial rule. Memorials in India and Nepal honour her courage and legacy.
Her recognition has grown over the years, with various honours commemorating her role in the 1857 revolt.
On 15 August 1962, she was honoured at Old Victoria Park in Hazratganj, Lucknow for her role in the uprising.
On 10 May 1984, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in her memory.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India established the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship, supporting meritorious girls from minority communities in India.
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Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/begum-hazrat-mahal-warrior-queen/d/135616
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