Born: 1820
Died: 1879
Begum Hazrat Mahal was the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. She was a real graceful lady, whose beauty had an unbeatable charm. She was also known as the Begum of Awadh. When her husband was exiled to Calcutta (now Kolkata), she took the responsibility of managing the affairs of the state of Awadh in her own hands.
During the first war of India’s Independence that took place in 1857-58, Begum Hazrat Mahal led a team of people who supported her in the revolt against the Britishers. She succeeded in capturing and gaining control over the state of Lucknow. She made her son Birjis Qadr, the king of Awadh. She worked together with other eminent leaders of those times like Nana Sahib.
Later, the British forces seized Lucknow and a major part of Awadh and the Begum had to step back. She refused to accept any kind of favours and allowances offered by the British rulers. She used all her might for freeing the state of Awadh from the clutches of the British Raj authorities. Finally, she took refuge in an asylum in Nepal, where she died in the year 1879. To acknowledge her endless effort in fighting for the freedom of country, the Government of India issued a stamp on 10th May 1984.
