Mah Laqa: A warrior with a moon-face

Chanda Bibi, popularly known as Mah Laqa Bai, is the author of 39 Urdu ghazals collected in Gulzar-e-Mahlaqa. This is the first “Diwan” written by a female author. Mah Laqa, sometimes referred to as the moon-faced, was a lady renowned for her skill in poetry, elegant manner, and political acumen. Her devotion to Maula Ali and her life are very inspiring. During a time when women’s rights were restricted, Chanda Bibi not only completed her formal education but also fought as a soldier in the Nizam’s army, dressing like a man and participating in combat. At the age of fourteen, she showed promise in both javelin throw and archery.

Raised to the highest echelons of aristocracy, she arrived escorted by a squad of perhaps 500 foot soldiers and drum beaters. Her deep devotion to the saint is reflected in the Mah Laqa Bai Mausoleum, which is located near Secunderabad at the foot of the slope leading to the Maula Ali shrine. Mah Laqa Bai’s miraculous birth is credited to her mother’s journey to the hill when six months pregnant. Mah Kunwar was a Marathi prostitute of Rajputana heritage, and her father, Bahadur Khan, was a Mansabdar in the army of Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah.

Raj Kunwar, following the tradition of Maula Ali, ascended the hill in spite of the possibility of miscarriage. Her daughter, who was born three months later, was gifted and healthy. She went on to become well-known for her elegance, beauty, and skill in dance and music. Mah Laqa Bai was not only a talented artist but also a diplomat who gained the respect of politicians looking for legal advice on legal issues.

Pictured: The State Archaeology Museum
Like her mother, Chanda Bai was a courtesan who won over many hearts. Among them were the prime minister Mir Alam and the Nizam of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah II, who bestowed upon her countless jagirs and priceless items. Often writing and reciting couplets in the Nizam’s honor, she would get feudal endowments from him. She spent much of her days in prayer, but her estate doubled as a place where other courtesans could come to practice their dancing and singing throughout the day.

Muharram was a great occasion, and Mah Laqa Bai hosted lavish feasts for fakirs and travelers in addition to special preparations for mourning. Mah Laqa Bai’s unwavering dedication and hard work led to the yearly fair at the Maula Ali shrine becoming more famous. A complicated person, she ultimately found herself buried next to her mother in the Ailchi Baig garden complex. This property has four encircling gardens and a center pavilion, all in keeping with the chaar bagh system. There are two stepwells, a mosque, a caravanserai, and an Ashurkhana within the walled perimeter. In 1792, she had this pavilion erected for her mother, and in 1824, the Nizam had her mausoleum built next to her. In addition, she was a kind person who, after her passing, is said to have given away all she had to homeless women. Later, the Salar Jung Museum’s collection was combined with her vast library from her home in Nampally.