A Begum & A Rani

by Rudrangshu Mukherjee

Exploring the lives of two remarkable women who chose to enter a field of activity which, in the middle of the nineteenth century, was seen a male domain, this book brings to light how unusual circumstances catapulted Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi into the rebellion of 1857. Both of them sacrificed their lives trying to overthrow the British rule, which they considered to be alien and oppressive. Their resistance and their deaths are heroic and poignant. The book captures the different trajectories of their lives and their struggles. In different but adjacent geographies these two women, both married into royal houses, decided to uphold traditions of ruling and culture that their husbands had established. These traditions had been subverted by the policies of Lord Dalhousie who had annexed both Awadh and Jhansi. While noting these similarities, it should be highlighted that Awadh was a large and sprawling kingdom with a long history whereas Jhansi was a small principality. The rani and the begum never met, even though they were embroiled in the same struggle. It is the rebellion of 1857-58 that provides the context, which makes these two outstanding women feature in the same narrative. This book tells the story of two women in a rebellion. The afterlives of the begum and the rani took on very different hues. The rani was made a nationalist icon: a woman on horseback with a raised sword, who died in battle. The begum was a relatively forgotten figure who did not get her due place in the roll call of honour. Revisiting the revolt of 1857 from a unique perspective and looking at their afterlives, the myths, this book attempts to set the record straight. Looking at the revolt of 1857 from a different perspective, A Begum & A Rani is an act of retrieval

Genres: History

221 pages, Hardcover

Published July 23, 2021

Reviews

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tome by Rudrangshu Mukherjee is a compelling historical account that brings to life two of the most remarkable female leaders of India’s First War of Independence. The book explores the lives, struggles, and legacies of Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi—two women who led resistance against the British during the uprising of 1857. Mukherjee, a distinguished historian and expert on colonial history, presents a nuanced narrative that highlights the courage, resilience, and political acumen of these two queens while challenging the dominant male-centric narratives of history.

The book is structured into two parallel narratives—one focusing on Begum Hazrat Mahal and the other on Rani Lakshmibai. Mukherjee meticulously reconstructs their histories using archival sources, historical accounts, and contemporary writings.

Begum Hazrat Mahal: The former wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Begum Hazrat Mahal, played a crucial role in Awadh’s resistance after the British annexed the kingdom in 1856. While her husband was exiled to Calcutta, she took charge of the rebellion in Lucknow, rallying soldiers and civilians against British rule. Mukherjee details her strategic leadership, the complex socio-political landscape of Awadh, and the eventual fall of Lucknow, forcing her to seek asylum in Nepal.

Rani Lakshmibai: The legendary queen of Jhansi, known for her bravery and military prowess, emerges as an equally formidable figure. Mukherjee delves into her early life, her resistance against the British after the annexation of Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, and her heroic battles. The book provides fresh perspectives on her leadership, particularly in the battles of Jhansi and Gwalior, where she fought valiantly before dying in combat.

Both women fought not just for personal power but for a broader cause—defending their kingdoms, people, and dignity against colonial oppression. Their struggles symbolize early forms of Indian nationalism and resistance.

Mukherjee’s book challenges traditional historical narratives that often marginalize women’s contributions to warfare and politics. By centering the stories of Begum Hazrat Mahal and Rani Lakshmibai, he highlights their crucial roles in 1857, not as secondary figures but as leaders who commanded armies, made strategic decisions, and inspired their people. The book places the 1857 uprising in the broader context of British imperialism, showing how colonial policies of annexation and economic exploitation led to widespread discontent. Both rulers resisted not just British military aggression but also their legal and political justifications for conquest.

Mukherjee effectively portrays how these women became symbols of resistance. Rani Lakshmibai’s legendary horseback escape and sword-fighting skills turned her into an icon of bravery. Similarly, Begum Hazrat Mahal’s steadfast refusal to surrender and her efforts to unite different factions against the British cemented her legacy. The book is rooted in meticulous research but remains accessible to general readers. Mukherjee weaves together personal anecdotes, historical records, and his own interpretations, making history feel alive rather than a dry recitation of facts.

Mukherjee’s writing is clear and engaging, avoiding overly academic jargon while maintaining scholarly rigor. He presents complex historical events in a manner that is both insightful and easy to follow. The book is relatively concise, yet it offers depth, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual readers interested in India's past.

However there are certain limitations as well. Firstly, given the lack of direct sources from Begum Hazrat Mahal and Rani Lakshmibai, the narrative sometimes relies on secondary accounts, which can limit a deeper personal understanding of their motivations and thoughts.
Econdly, although the book places both women in parallel, a more detailed comparative analysis of their leadership styles, military strategies, and personal struggles could have added more depth. Finally, while the book effectively covers the events of the rebellion, it could have explored more about how these women influenced subsequent freedom movements and feminist discourses in India.

To conclude, ‘A Begum & A Rani’ is a significant contribution to Indian historical literature, shedding light on two often-overlooked but crucial figures in the 1857 rebellion. Mukherjee’s detailed research, engaging storytelling, and emphasis on women’s leadership make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history, gender studies, and colonial resistance. Despite some limitations, it remains an inspiring and informative work that challenges mainstream historical narratives and restores agency to two remarkable women of India’s past.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death deifies; flight is an amnesiac."

Quite a poignant read which prompts the question of how heroes are actually made -
"The quest for heroes in history creates its own problems of choice and discrimination."

The book explores the lives and afterlife of two extraordinary women, living lives almost parallel to each other, Hazrat Mahal and Lakshmi Bai. Each became an integral part of the first war of independence, the 1857 rebellion. While Mahal remained actively present from the beginning till the end, Lakshmi Bai reluctantly joined at a later stage of the rebellion. Needless to say, each contributed in their own might, fought valiantly and bravely.

However, as fate would have it, "Lakshmibai is not only remembered, but also commemorated and celebrated. (Whereas) Hazrat Mahal hovers on the margins of remembrance." The book carefully lists out how Lakshmibai was immortalized in history - to the extent of distortions which made her from a historic figure to an incarnation of the divine.

Favourite quote:

"History, to invoke a line from one of Shakespeare's sonnets, is a remembrance of things past. But the past is never remembered, and cannot be, in its entirety. History is stalked by incompleteness - what is chosen to be remembered, and what does not earn a niche in collective memory. Forgetting is as much a part of the muse of Clio as remembering."

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indian - world - history has been unkind to women. We have derived much of our history from British writing. It is only in recent times that we have reclaimed our history. For instance, we always referred to the events of 1857-58 as "The Great Indian Mutiny" and not as "The Great Uprising."
One character who has gained cult status is Rani Lakshmi Bai. While she was an incredible woman, we forget she was a reluctant rebel. The one woman who fought the British almost till the end was Begum Hazrat Mahal. I have been curious about her for a long time, and finally, we have a book that gives her excellent space and respect.
Prof Mukherjee has written an excellent book analysing the two women, their contributions, and why we remember one and have forgotten the other.
The Appendices, with the Proclamations are a godsend, especially Begum Hazrat Mahal's Proclamation.

If you want to add to your library of the 1857 Uprising, then add this book. Refer to it also.

[Aidan Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mukherjee does a great job of consolidating sources and information about two larger than life women from the revolt of 1857, telling their life from birth to their ends as well as why they have had different afterlives in the Indian populace. It’s a quick read, written well, and is a good choice if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for information on Begum Hazrat Mahal and Jhansi ki Rani.