বাংলায় পড়ুন
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was the last Nawab of Awadh who was exiled to live Garden Reach, Metiabruz in Kolkata (then Calcutta). After his exile by the British East India Company Nawab’s second wife, Begum Hazrat Mahal ruled Awadh from behind the curtain placing her son Bijis Quadr on the throne. Birjis was underage during that time. Begum Hazrat Mahal assembled both Hindus and Muslims to fight the British and protect the seat of Lucknow. It was during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. She succeeded in defeating the regiment of Henry Lawrence, who was killed by Begum’s army on the fourth day of the siege. Awadh could remain free for long it was ultimately captured by the British but Hazrat Mahal fled to Kathmandu with her son Birjis Quadr. She spent the rest of her life there only and the government there still maintains her tomb.
A part of Nawab’s family on the Begum’s side still resides in Kolkata. they have decided to pay homage to the fearless Begum Hazrat Mahal by observing her 140th death anniversary in the city. Begum has never visited the city of Kolkata and her death anniversary will also be observed for the first time here. The Queen set an example by uniting the Hindus and Muslim at a dire time so, acknowledge her courage and for the peace and harmony in the city, this measure has been taken.
