The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II, may be remembered as a significant historical figure, but his descendants today are facing severe hardships. One of his great-grandsons’ widows, Sultana Begum, has been in the news due to her ongoing legal battle and financial struggles.
Bahadur Shah Zafar Descendants Today
Sultana Begum, the widow of Mirza Bedar Bukht, lives in a modest two-room hut in Howrah, near Kolkata. Despite being a direct descendant of the Mughal royal family, she survives on a small pension of just 6,000 rupees (approximately $72) per month. The financial hardships faced by her family starkly contrast with their royal lineage, bringing attention to the lost grandeur of the Mughal empire.
Red Fort Ownership Legal Challenge
In December 2024, the Delhi High Court rejected Sultana Begum’s petition seeking possession of the historic Red Fort. She claimed that, as a direct descendant of Bahadur Shah Zafar II, the fort rightfully belonged to her family. According to her, the British unlawfully took over the fort in 1857 during the Indian Rebellion. However, the court dismissed the case, citing an excessive delay in filing the petition. The decision marked a significant setback for the Mughal heirs who hoped to reclaim their lost heritage.
Sultana Begum Mughal Family at Present
The plight of Sultana Begum and her family highlights the struggles of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s descendants in modern India. With no official recognition or support, they continue to face socio-economic challenges while attempting to preserve their royal legacy.
While Bahadur Shah Zafar II’s legacy remains significant in Indian history, his descendants live far from the grandeur of their ancestors. The legal and financial struggles of Sultana Begum reflect the harsh reality of many former royal families in contemporary India.
