Portrait of Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum

Traditionally, Indian women have been perceived to be mere spectators to history. Their role is either passive or forgotten. Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum was one such woman who seems to have been lost in the annals of history. She was one of the most prolific rulers of Bhopal, present-day capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. Despite being ruled by a series of widows during this time, the Purdah system (where women were to be veiled at all times) was strictly followed. The exhibit follows the life of Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum who made great strides in infrastructure, architecture, arts and education at a time when the women were so severely deprived.