The Begums of Bhopal: A History of the Princely State of Bhopal - Hardcover

Khan, Shaharyar M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1860645283 ISBN 13: 9781860645280

Publisher: I. B. Tauris, 2000

Synopsis

Between 1819 and 1926 four Muslim women rulers reigned over Bhopal, the second largest Muslim state of India, despite staunch opposition from powerful neighbors and male claimants. Even the British India Company initially opposed female rule in Bhopal until the Begums quoted Queen Victoria as their model and inspiration. Each Begum--or Queen--impressed her own personality on the role and succeeded in reigning over a mostly Hindu population. Qudisa, the first Begum, was supported by her powerful French-Bourbon Prime Minister in her departure from the traditional. She was succeeded in 1844 by Sikandar, her only daughter, who was also followed by her only daughter, the highly controversial Shahjehan. The story ends with the last Begum, Sultan Jehan, and her abdication in favor of her son, the first male ruler (Nawab) of Bhopal in five generations. This book offers the first balanced history of the state.

About this title

About the Author:

Shaharyar M. Khan is a direct descendant of Bhopal’s ruling family and is a career diplomat.

Review:

"...offers inside knowledge on the lives, characters and styles of government of a series of strong-willed women rulers."--Claudia Liebeskind, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

About this edition

• Publisher: I. B. Tauris
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1860645283
• ISBN 13: 9781860645280
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272