The Nawabs of Bhopal

The Nawabs of Bhopal ruled the princely state – Bhopal before the Indian independence. During the medieval period and during the British rule in India, the Nawabs were the supreme authority of Bhopal. Contrary to the popular notion, the most illustrious Bhopal Nawabs were women. According to historical findings, the first among the Nawabs of Bhopal was Nawab Dost Muhammed Khan - the man who rebuilt the city founded by Raja Bhoj.

The era of female Nawabs started with Begum Nawab Qudsia Begum. Born in 1801, she married Nawab Nazar Mohammed Khan in the year 1817. Qudsia Begum took the 'scepter' in her hand when her husband was killed in 1819. She proved herself as an able ruler and at the same time groomed her daughter Sikander. Nawab Sikander Jahan Begum succeeded Qudsia and kept the good work intact. She was a woman with strong will power. She was generous and kind hearted. Nawab Shah Jahan Begum was the next ruler. She was an intellectual woman and did not hesitate to protest against British highhandedness.

Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum – the last Begum Nawab was the most prolific of Nawabs and rose to great heights. She became the foremost chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University. Her social works and reform measures are remembered till today. Her son Nawab Hamidullah Khan ascended the throne in 1926. With his enthronement, the golden period of women Nawabs in the history of Bhopal ended. Hamidullah signed the 'Instrument of Accession' in the year 1947 by which the province of Bhopal became a part of the Republic of India.