The Mughal Empire, once a formidable power in India, officially ended with the exile of its last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, in 1857. Following the British suppression of the First War of Independence (Indian Rebellion of 1857), Bahadur Shah Zafar was deposed and sent to Rangoon (modern-day Yangon, Myanmar), where he spent his final years in exile. The British systematically dismantled the Mughal dynasty, seizing its wealth, properties, and power.
More than 160 years later, descendants of the Mughal dynasty continue to live in relative obscurity, far from the grandeur of their royal ancestors. Among them is Sultana Begum, a woman who claims to be the great-granddaughter-in-law of Bahadur Shah Zafar and currently lives in financial distress in Kolkata, West Bengal. Despite being linked to India’s most celebrated dynasty, she survives on a meager pension of ₹6,000 per month, highlighting the stark contrast between the past splendor of the Mughals and their present reality.
Who Is Sultana Begum?
Sultana Begum's story came to public attention in recent years when she demanded ownership of the Red Fort in Delhi, the historic Mughal palace that was once the seat of power for the empire. She claims that her late husband, Mirza Mohammad Bedar Bakht, was the great-grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
According to historical records, Bahadur Shah Zafar had several wives and numerous children, many of whom either perished or disappeared into anonymity after the British crackdown on the Mughals. Sultana Begum insists that her lineage is authentic, although formal recognition of her ancestry remains debatable.
Currently, she lives in a small, dilapidated house in Kolkata, struggling to make ends meet. Despite her supposed royal bloodline, she has received little to no support from the Indian government, relying instead on her modest pension to survive.
The fall of the Mughal Dynasty and the Fate of Its Descendants
The Mughal dynasty, once the most powerful empire in India, crumbled following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. After the uprising was brutally crushed by the British, Bahadur Shah Zafar was arrested, tried for treason, and exiled to Burma. His sons and grandsons were either executed or went into hiding, leaving his bloodline in disarray.
For generations, some families across India—especially in Delhi, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Bihar—have claimed descent from the last Mughal emperor. However, the authenticity of these claims is often disputed, as many of the emperor’s direct descendants either perished or remained unidentified.
One such claimant, Habeebuddin Tucy from Hyderabad, also claims to be a descendant of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Over the years, he has demanded the return of Mughal properties and sought official recognition of his lineage, though historians and officials have largely dismissed his claims.
The Legal Battle over Red Fort
In 2021, Sultana Begum filed a petition demanding legal ownership of the Red Fort, the iconic structure that served as the Mughal capital. Her claim is based on the argument that the British unjustly seized the fort after Bahadur Shah Zafar’s exile and that it should be returned to his rightful heirs.
However, the case remains unresolved. The Indian government recognizes Red Fort as a national heritage site, and it is currently under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Experts argue that proving ownership after more than a century is nearly impossible, especially since the Mughals lost legal authority over India after the British took over.
While the claim may not result in legal ownership, it has helped bring attention to Sultana Begum’s poverty and struggle for recognition.
The Struggles of Royal Descendants in Modern India
The condition of Sultana Begum is not unique. Across India, descendants of once-powerful royal families struggle to maintain their identities. Many, like the Mughal heirs, lost their wealth and power due to British policies and post-independence land reforms.
Unlike some Rajput and Maratha royal families who managed to retain land and titles, the Mughals suffered complete erasure. The British deliberately ensured that their descendants had no financial or political standing, forcing them into poverty and anonymity.
Even today, the Indian government provides no formal support or recognition to Mughal descendants. While some princely states (such as Rajasthan’s royal families) receive government patronage, the Mughals—being former rulers of India—were not granted any privileges post-independence.
Will Sultana Begum’s Case Bring Change?
Despite her persistent struggle, Sultana Begum’s chances of reclaiming Mughal property or securing royal recognition are slim. However, her case has sparked discussions about the forgotten heirs of India’s historic dynasties.
Public sentiment is divided—some believe she deserves financial support as a historical figure, while others argue that centuries-old dynasties have no place in modern India.
For now, Sultana Begum remains a symbol of lost royalty, living in obscurity despite her claims to one of India’s greatest empires. Whether her struggle leads to any meaningful change or fades into history remains to be seen.
The story of Sultana Begum serves as a reminder of how history can be both grand and unforgiving. From ruling one of the world’s richest empires to struggling for daily survival, the fate of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s descendants highlights the impermanence of power and wealth.
While India today celebrates its Mughal heritage through art, architecture, and culture, the people who claim direct descent from the empire’s last ruler continue to live on the margins of society, often without recognition or support.
Sultana Begum’s fight—whether for the Red Fort, financial aid, or acknowledgment of her royal heritage—is a battle not just for her, but for all forgotten heirs of history. Whether the world acknowledges them or not, their legacy lives on in the monuments and stories that define India’s past.