Begum Hazrat Mahal, also known as the Begum of Awadh, was the second wife of Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah, and the regent of Awadh in 1857–1858. She is known for the leading role she had in the rebellion against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
After her husband had been exiled to Calcutta and the Indian Rebellion broke out, she made her son, Prince Birjis Qadr, the Wali of Awadh, with herself as regent during his minority. However, she was forced to abandon this role after a short reign. She finally found asylum in Nepal onto Hallaur, she died in 1879 Nepal. Her role in the rebellion has given her a heroine status.