CHAPTER
INTRODUCTION
8
Fig.3 Rooftops in MP Nagar zone I
Fig.4 Map of India Fig.5 Map of Bhopal
left out of the historical detailing of MP’s history, women too were noteworthy rulers in MP. This includes women such as Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore, the Gond1 queen Rani Kamla Devi, and Rani Durgawati (Madhya Pradesh Tourism, 2015). Bhopal has been the capital of MP since 1956 although the city was established in 1709 by Dost Mohammad Khan (Madhya Pradesh Tourism, 2015). What sets it apart from many other capital cities in India is its history of muslim women leaders. The Begums of Bhopal have had a great deal of influence on the collective memory of the city. For four generations spanning from 1819 to 1926, the begums ruled successfully over Bhopal. Their reign is remarkable as a “dynasty of women formally recognized by high muslim authorities” and these women are considered by many to be some of the most outstanding Indian leaders of the 19th century (Sultaan, 1980). In 1819 following her husband’s assassination, Quidsia Begum boldly declared that her daughter Sikander Jahan Begum would take power when she came of age. In the meantime, she held
Fig.6 Begums of Bhopal
the position of regent, making her the first of the dynastic Begum rulers of Bhopal. Historical accounts detail her generosity, wisdom, and competency to rule over the city. Time and time again the position of these Begums was challenged by both Indian and British opposition in favor of a male ruler. When the position was handed over to a male ruler, as in the case of the power transition between Sikander Jahan Begum and her cousin and husband Jahangeer, it was incontrovertible the Begum’s male counterparts were incapable of ruling as successfully (Sultaan, 1980). The end of the Begum rule over Bhopal ended in 1926 when the Gond refers to someone who belongs to the Gondwana kingdom which ruled form the 15th to 18th century in several places in India including MP 1
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MADHYA PRADESH AND BHOPAL In the center of India lies the state of Madhya Pradesh (MP). It is the second largest state in India, occupying approximately 9.38% of the country’s area (mp.gov.in, nd). MP has a rich and colorful history dating back to prehistoric times. Remnants of MP’s prehistoric legacy can be seen at UNESCO world heritage sites such as the archeological rock shelters of Bhimbetka. Its past is usually divided into three time periods, which reflect its extensive history of rulers, warriors, and dynasties that have shaped MP (Madhya Pradesh Tourism, 2015). Among these rulers were famous figures such as the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great. Though often