To commemorate Begum Hazarat Mahal’s death anniversary, Embassy of India in Kathmandu and B.P Koirala India Nepal Foundation organised a wreath laying ceremony for Begum Hazrat Mahal on Thursday, 7th April 2016 at Jame Masjid, Kathmandu.

Begum Hazrat Mahal was one of the earliest female freedom fighters during the First  War of Independence of India. She was the first wife of Nawab Wajid Shah and possessed the courage and leadership to rebel against the British East India Company during the first war of 1857. After the British annexed their territory and the King of Awadh, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was sent away in exile to Calcutta, she took the responsibilty of managing the affairs of the state in her own hands. She played a pivotal role in the war and fought the British forces alongwith other revolutionaries. But the British troops attacked Awadh again and after a long siege were able to re-capture it, forcing her to retreat. She refused to accept any kind of favors and allowances offered by the British rulers. Finally she sought aslyum 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.

The Ambassador of India to Nepal, Shri Ranjit Rae laid the wreath at the tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal. Ambassador Shri Ranjit Rae spoke about the contribution of Begum Hazrat Mahal in the freedom struggle of India. The programme was attended by members of the Muslim community of Nepal, media persons and officers of the Indian embassy.