Born: 1768 (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)
Died: 1824
Biography:
Mah Laqa Bai (7 April 1768 – August 1824), born Chanda Bai, and sometimes referred to as Mah Laqa Chanda, was an Indian 18th-century Urdu poet, tawaif, and philanthropist based in Hyderabad. She played a significant role in the literary and cultural landscape of her time. Additionally, Mah Laqa Bai’s life provides valuable insights into the social and political dynamics of the Deccan region during her era.
Born as Chanda Bibi on 7 April 1768 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Mah Laqa Bai was the daughter of Raj Kunwar, a tawaif who migrated from Rajputana, and Bahadur Khan, a Mansabdar at Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah’s court. Chanda Bibi was adopted by her aunt Mehtaab Ma, who was a prominent courtesan and a favorite consort of Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula, a Prime Minister of the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Under the personal guidance of Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula, Chanda Bibi received a comprehensive education. She had access to a well-endowed library and was exposed to the vibrant cultural milieu of Hyderabad. By the age of 14, she excelled in horse riding and archery, skills that would later win her acclaim.
It was the second Nizam, Mir Nizam Ali Khan, who bestowed upon Chanda Bibi the title Mah Laqa Bai in recognition of her remarkable achievements. She accompanied Nizam II in three wars, dressed in male attire, and gained renown for her skills in archery and spear throwing. Her courage and military prowess earned her the respect and admiration of the Nizams, who rewarded her with various Jagirs (lands) on multiple occasions, including the neighborhoods of Hyderguda, Chanda Nagar, Syed pally, and Adikmet.
Despite her many accomplishments, Mah Laqa Bai is best known for her contributions to Urdu poetry. She was an influential Urdu poet during a time when the language was transitioning from Dakhini to the highly Persianized Urdu spoken in northern India. Her poetic works reflected the linguistic transformations of Southern India and provided valuable insights into the evolution of Urdu.
In 1824, Mah Laqa Bai became the first female poet to have a diwan, a collection of poems, published posthumously. Her collection of Urdu Ghazals, titled Gulzar-e-Mahlaqa, showcased her mastery over the art form and cemented her place in literary history. Through her poetry, Mah Laqa Bai expressed her thoughts on love, longing, and spirituality, leaving a lasting impact on Urdu literature.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Mah Laqa Bai also played a significant role in the socio-political landscape of Hyderabad. She was appointed to the omarah, the highest nobility, by the Nizam and was involved in state policies and diplomatic engagements. Mah Laqa Bai’s association with the court allowed her to exert influence and contribute to decision-making processes.
In recognition of her contributions to society, Mah Laqa Bai was hailed as an inspiration and a role model for women of her time. Her achievements challenged societal norms and demonstrated the potential for women to excel in various fields. As an empowered and respected woman, she defied expectations and societal restrictions, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for generations to come.