Begum Hazrat Mahal

A pioneering female leader of India's 1857 rebellion against British rule, advocating for independence and women's rights

Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820-1879) was an influential queen of Awadh who became a central figure in India's First War of Independence (1857). As the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, she defied societal norms by taking an active political role when British forces deposed her husband. During the rebellion, she declared herself regent of Lucknow and fiercely resisted British troops, even forming alliances with rebel leaders like Nana Saheb. Her 1858 proclamation emphasized restoring Mughal rule and abolishing British taxes - radical ideas for her time. Though ultimately defeated, her leadership inspired later independence movements. She later established a school for girls in Nepal, breaking barriers for women's education. Learn more about her legacy at Wikipedia and Indianetzone.