She is among the forgotten independent women of India. Begum Hazrat Mahal rebelled against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Also known as Begum of Awadh, was the first wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. After her husband had been exiled to Calcutta, she took charge of the affairs in the state of Awadh and seized control of Lucknow.
In Sepia Stories, we remember her on Independence Day.