Begum Hazrat Mahal was born as Muhammadi Khanum, and she later became the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. She was his favorite wife and held considerable influence in the royal court of Awadh.

When the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Sepoy Mutiny, erupted against British rule, Begum Hazrat Mahal played a significant role in leading the resistance in Awadh. After the British annexed Awadh in 1856, dispossessing Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of his kingdom, Begum Hazrat Mahal became a symbol of the uprising.

Begum Hazrat Mahal took charge of the affairs in Awadh after her husband was exiled by the British. She rallied soldiers, nobles, and civilians to join the fight against the British East India Company. Under her leadership, the rebels fought fiercely against the British forces, particularly during the Siege of Lucknow in 1857-1858.

Following the suppression of the rebellion, Begum Hazrat Mahal, along with other leaders, had to seek asylum in Nepal. She lived in exile for many years, struggling financially. It was only after the death of her husband that she returned to Calcutta (now Kolkata) and received a pension from the British government.

Begum Hazrat Mahal’s bravery and leadership during the 1857 uprising made her a symbol of resistance against British colonialism. She is remembered as a courageous queen who stood up against oppression, and her contributions are celebrated in India’s history of independence struggle. In her honor, a memorial park called Begum Hazrat Mahal Park was established in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.