Previous Year Question

Begum Hazrat Mahal provided the major leadership to the resistance at Lucknow and Awadh during the Revolt of 1857.

In 1856, the British East India Company annexed Awadh and removed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah from power, sending him to Calcutta. This produced widespread resentment against British rule in Awadh, which developed into open resistance during the Revolt of 1857.

During the uprising, Begum Hazrat Mahal assumed leadership of the rebel forces at Lucknow. She had her minor son Birjis Qadr proclaimed ruler of Awadh and herself exercised effective administrative and political authority as his Regent.

Her role was not merely symbolic. She supervised the administration of the rebel government in Lucknow, organised military forces and actively helped sustain resistance against the British army in Awadh. She was also associated with the defence of Lucknow and fighting in the Alam Bagh area.

Awadh was particularly important during the Revolt of 1857 because resistance involved not only sepoys but also taluqdars, soldiers and different sections of rural society. Begum Hazrat Mahal was one of the central leadership figures of this wider resistance.

Even after the British recaptured Lucknow in March 1858, Begum Hazrat Mahal did not immediately surrender. She moved with her supporters through other parts of Awadh and eventually retreated towards Nepal while attempting to continue the struggle.

In November 1858, she also issued a counter-proclamation in response to Queen Victoria's Proclamation, criticising British policies and the annexation of Awadh.

The other options were associated with different centres. Nana Saheb's principal centre was Kanpur, while Tantya Tope was associated with military campaigns in Central India and other regions. In the context of Lucknow, the major leadership was provided by Begum Hazrat Mahal.