Independence and Women

Queen,a warrior-queen and a courtesan were all part of the first war of Independence in 1857. The role of women in the first war of Independence was highlighted in the dance-drama 1857 Kranti ki Viranganayein staged by Kumkum Adarsh’s troupe of Kathak dancers at the UP Sangeet Natak Akademi auditorium on Sunday.

Begum Hazrat Mahal ,wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah,challenged the British even while her husband was exiled to Calcutta. Her partner in the revolt among others was Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi who even wielded the sword and eventually stabbed herself preferring death of martyrdom to life of servitude.

A little heard of freedom fighter was Azizan of Lucknow,who is said to have lived in Sarangi Mahal,the abode of the poet-courtesan Umrao Jaan. In an exemplary display of Hindu-Muslim unity and solidarity,Azizan answered the call given by Nana Sahib and join the revolt. Classical music and the graceful rhythm of Kathak proved perfect vehicle to relive the glory.