Mah Laqa Bai

Apr 7, 1768 - 1824

Mah Laqa Bai, born Chanda Bai, and sometimes referred to as Mah Laqa Chanda, was an Indian 18th century Urdu poet, courtesan and philanthropist based in Hyderabad. In 1824, she became the first female poet to have a diwan of her work, a compilation of Urdu Ghazals named Gulzar-e-Mahlaqa, published posthumously. She lived in a period when Dakhini was making its transition into the highly Persianized Urdu. Her literary contributions provide insight on such linguistic transformations in southern India.
Mah Laqa Bai was an influential female courtesan of the Deccan; the Nizam, ruler of Hyderabad, appointed her to the omarah, and as a close affiliate at the court, she was discussed on state policies and accomplished assigned diplomatic engagements. An expert in spear throw, Tent pegging and archery she accompanied with the Nizam II in three battles, hunting expeditions and camping. She moved in palanquin with guards and drummers announcing her arrival.
In 2010, her memorial in Hyderabad, that houses her tomb, caravanserai and a mosque was restored using funds donated by the Federal government of the United States.
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