The 1857 revolution took a decisive turn between the British power and the Mughal Empire in India. The last emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was caught by the British and deported by Rangoon (Myanmar). The Red Fort of Delhi, which was once a symbol of royal splendor, gradually became deserted. Many of his sons and grandchildren were killed by the British. This defeat of Bahadur Shah Zafar was the beginning of the last chapter of the Mughal Empire.

Mirza Jawan Bakht, son of Bahadur Shah Zafar, was born in the Red Fort, but after the empire broke, his situation deteriorated so much that he used to beg in the streets of Delhi at night. They used to leave in the dark to hide their royal identity. This story is a symbol of how Prince was pushed into oblivion and poverty. Khwaja Hasan Nizami’s book Begamat’s tear mentions another princess, which was the name of Qamar Sultan Bahadur. He is said to be the grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar. It is said that they used to say while begging or Allah, give me so much that I can buy goods for my food. His sad life is a lively proof of the decline of the Mughals.

Mirza Mughal and British vengeance
Mirza Mughal, the fifth son of Bahadur Shah Zafar, was also killed by the British. After the revolution of 1857, the British brutally murdered many princesses outside Delhi. With this, their aim was not only to capture power, but also to eliminate the legacy of the Mughal family.

The current status of the Mughal descendants
Today, some people in both India and Pakistan call themselves Mughal descendants. Most of them are living in oblivion and poverty. They neither got any government assistance nor special recognition. His stories are limited to history books and family stories only.

Historical role of Mughal Shahzadas
During the Mughal period, the princesses were also given responsibilities, not only the heir. He often led military operations. He would have been the patron of art, literature and philosophy. He would play an important role in administration and court politics, but after 1857, this entire tradition broke and Mughal Shahzade became an anonymous shadow of history.

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