To commemorate Begum Hazrat Mahal’s death anniversary, Embassy of India in Kathmandu organized a wreath laying ceremony on Friday, 7th April 2017 at Jame Masjid, Kathmandu.

The Ambassador of India to Nepal, Sri Manjeev Singh Puri laid the wreath at the tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal. Ambassador Sri Puri spoke about the contribution of Begum Hazrat Mahal in the freedom struggle of India. The family of Begum Hazrat Mahal flew in from India to be a part of the occasion. Her great great grand daughter Dr. Talat Fatima and Ms. Manjilat Fatima also laid a ‘chaddar’ at the tomb. The programme was attended by members of the Muslim community of Nepal, media persons and officers of the Indian embassy.

After the wreath laying ceremony, the B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation screened a documentary on life of Begum Hazrat Mahal at Nepal-Bharat Library, New Road. Family members, Dr. Talat Fatima and Ms. Manjilat Fatima spoke at the occasion remembering the contribution of the brave Begum Hazrat Mahal in the freedom struggle of India.

Begum Hazrat Mahal was one of the earliest female freedom fighters during the First War of Indian Independence. She was the first wife of Nawab Wajid Shah and fought against the British East India Company during the Mutiny of 1857.  The British attacked Awadh repeatedly and forced her to retreat. She refused to accept any kind of favors and allowances offered by the British rulers. Finally, she sought asylum in Nepal, where she died in 1879. She was among major leaders never to surrender to the British, and she maintained her opposition through twenty years of exile in Nepal until her death. Her tomb is established in the central part of Kathmandu near Jame Masjid.