By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: The National Archives of India (NAI), Regional Office, Bhopal is organizing a 3-day outreach programme from September 29th to October 1st, 2015 on the occasion of the 125th Foundation Year (1891-2016) of NAI.
An exhibition entitled “DARICHA- Glimpses into the times of Shahjahan Begum- “Riyasat-e-Shahjahani” with special reference to Benazeer Palace” is organized on the occasion.
Lecture Series by eminent Archivists, Historians and Archeologist and Outreach programmes for School and College students and Photo-walk will also be organized on to mark the event.
The programmes will be held in the premises of the National Archives of India, Regional Office, Civil Lines, Bhopal and will remain open from 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM till the 15.10.2015.
Meanwhile, it may be mentioned here that Shahjahan Begum (29 July 1838 – 16 June 1901) was the Begum of Bhopal (the ruler of the princely state of Bhopal in central India) for two periods: 1844–60 (her mother acting as regent), and secondly during 1868–1901.
Born in Islamnagar near the city of Bhopal, Shahjahan Begum was the only surviving child of Sikandar Begum, sometime Nawab of Bhopal by correct title, and her husband Jahangir Mohammed Khan. She was recognised as ruler of Bhopal in 1844 at the age of six; her mother wielded power as regent during her minority. However, in 1860, her mother Sikandar Begum was recognised by the British as ruler of Bhopal in her own right, and Shahjahan Begum was set aside. Shahjahan Begum succeeded her mother as Begum of Bhopal upon the death of the latter in 1868.