Sultana Begum: the Woman Claiming the Red Fort to be her own

A woman named Sultana Begum, living in modest conditions in Kolkata, claims to be the rightful heir to one of India’s most iconic landmarks the Red Fort. So, who is this lady, and what are the legal grounds for her claim? This blog post will explore the topic under the title Sultana Begum: The Woman Claiming the Red Fort to be her own.

Who is Sultana Begum?

Sultana Begum is the widow of Mirza Muhammad Bedar Bakht, who was the great-grandson of the last emperor of the Mughal Dynasty, Bahadur Shah Zafar. After the fall of the Mughal Empire, the royal descendants were scattered across India, many living in anonymity and impoverishment, deprived of their titles, privileges, and properties. Sultana Begum’s Husband died in 1980. She currently lives in a small, cramped house in the Howrah area of Kolkata and survives on a modest pension.

The Legal Claim over the Red Fort:

Sultana Begum filed a petition in 2022 in the High Court of Delhi in which she sought ownership rights over the Red Fort or, alternatively, appropriate compensation for its historical seizure, alternatively. Her claim is based on the ancestral inheritance, asserting that the iconic monument was illegally taken by the British after the fall of the Mughal Empire and should have rightfully remained with her family. The Delhi High Court dismissed the plea on the grounds of the extensive time lapse since the property was taken over in 1857, citing legal limitations.

Government and Court Response:

The government of India has consistently maintained that historical monuments like the Red Fort are public property and safeguarded under national heritage laws. It is the symbol of India’s independence and cultural identity, and is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Red Fort is considered a site of national importance, not subject to individual ownership claims. Sultana Begum’s Petition was dismissed primarily on legal grounds, and the court pointed out the extraordinary delay in filing the case, which is 150 years after the property was taken by the British in 1857. Also, the decision stated that allowing private claims to national landmarks would set a dangerous precedent, potentially inviting numerous similar petitions without merit.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage:

The story of Sultana Begum: the woman claiming the Red Fort as her own, received widespread media coverage, evoking a blend of sympathy and skepticism. Some were moved by her modest living conditions despite royal ancestry, while others questioned the legal basis of her claim. This case sparked public attention on forgotten royal descendants and broader discourse on historical accountability, justice, and how modern societies treat the legacies of fallen dynasties.

Symbolism and Broader Questions:

Sultana Begum’s case raises questions about how India recognizes and supports the descendants of formal royal families. Her argument is not only about property rights but also about preserving the Mughal legacy. It draws attention to the complex relationship between public memory, heritage, and law, and illustrates how symbolic links to the past can endure even after legal ownership has changed.

Conclusion:

Sultana Begum’s story is a moving synthesis of struggle, identity and history. Although her claim to the Red Fort as a widow of Mughal descent could not be legally successful, she captured significant attention and left a lasting legacy. The dwindling remnants of royalty in the contemporary republic are reflected in her life. This case serves as a reminder that behind every stone there is a story waiting to be told.

Is anyone alive from the Mughal family?

Sultana Begum, the granddaughter of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, was forced to live a life of poverty. She is still alive and lives in India. Despite her royal lineage, Sultana Begum, the granddaughter of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, lives in a slum in Kolkata.

Where is Sultana Begum now?

Sultana Begum lives in one of Kolkata’s poorest neighborhoods, Howrah. The opulence of the Mughal palaces stands in stark contrast to the small two-room hut her ancestors once called home. The family shares a kitchen with their neighbors and gets their water from public taps on the street.

Is Sultana Begum related to Bahadur Shah Zafar?

Sultana Begum, one of the few known descendants of Bahadur Shah Zafar, now lives modestly in Kolkata. Prince Mirza Bedar Bakht, her late husband, was allegedly the great-grandson of the emperor. She claimed that he lived a modest life, very different from the luxury usually associated with royalty.

Who is Sultana Begum great grand daughter in law?

Sultana Begum, the granddaughter of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. She depends on a monthly pension and lives in a slum in Kolkata with her six children. She and her six children have not received any assistance or benefits from the West Bengal Waqf Board.

Are there any Mughal descendants alive today?

Who is Sultana Begum?

The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar has a great-grandson named Mirza Muhammad Bidar Bakht whose widow is Sultana Begum. She is famous for fighting for the ownership of the Red Fort in court and is currently living a modest life in Kolkata.

What is Sultana Begum’s claim on the Red Fort?

Sultana Begum filed a petition in the Delhi High Court in 2022, claiming that the Red Fort belonged to her late husband’s family, the Mughals, and demanded ownership of the fort or appropriate compensation.

Why did the court reject Sultana Begum’s claim?

Her petition was rejected by the Delhi High Court, which ruled that historical sites like the Red Fort are government property and cited the long time it took to file a claim.

What does the Red Fort symbolize in India today?

The Prime Minister delivers his annual Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of India’s independence. Rather than a private property, it is a symbol of pride in the country and its history.