The Last Mughal Emperor: A Tale of Bahadur Shah Zafar's Final Days

The Decline of the Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire had dwindled to the confines of Delhi's Red Fort, relying on pensions from the British. Despite this, the presence of attendants and guards remained. As Bahadur Shah Zafar entered the court, the call of the attendants echoed, 'Be alert, show respect!' This was followed by the guards repeating the command. The nobles bowed their heads, hands clasped, as the emperor took his seat on the throne. The guards announced, 'The divine presence has arrived; show respect.' One by one, the nobles stood in designated spots, performing a ceremonial bow three times, reciting praises for the emperor. Here are some tales from the twilight of the Mughal Empire.

A Sufi Soul in a Lost Kingdom

The throne had been lost, and the East India Company ruled. Bahadur Shah Zafar, known for his Sufi temperament, was regarded as a spiritual leader with numerous disciples. His passion for poetry was immense, and while the court was adorned, there was little of significance to discuss. Conversations often revolved around the emperor. Khwaja Hasan Nizami had the opportunity to hear and document many stories from the court during Zafar's reign.

According to Nizami, upon taking his seat, the emperor would announce that he had written a ghazal. The audience would respond with admiration, and as he recited the first couplet, a noble would rise, bowing and exclaiming, 'Subhan Allah, the words of kings are the words of kings.' This pattern of applause continued with each couplet.

Zafar's Spiritual Journey

Far removed from the opulence of kingship, Zafar immersed himself in a Sufi love that believed in connecting humanity with the divine. This philosophy held that God resides not in the heavens but in the hearts of people. His desire to merge his existence with that of his beloved liberated him from rigid religious doctrines. Zafar viewed himself as a protector of Hindu subjects and a ruler addressing the excesses of orthodox Muslims. His poetry often reflected the shared spirit of Hinduism and Islam, emphasizing unity in diversity within his court.

The Emperor and His Disciples

As both an emperor and a spiritual leader, Zafar was believed to be favored by divine grace. His followers were numerous, and upon becoming a disciple, one would receive a monthly stipend of five rupees from the emperor. This financial support attracted many to seek his mentorship. In his youth, Bahadur Shah was nurtured by Maulana Fakhar, and after the latter's passing, he learned much from Maulana's son, Miyan Qutubuddin. Zafar even married one of his daughters to Miyan Nasiruddin, a third-generation scholar.

Zafar enjoyed the company of saints and ascetics, often lost in the spiritual realm. A contemporary Urdu newspaper noted that he was a well-respected Sufi of his time, blessed by God. His court diaries frequently mentioned his visits to Sufi shrines and his generosity towards the needy. Living a life of simplicity, Zafar's modest lifestyle had been established long before he ascended the throne. Major Archer described him in 1828 as a thin, unassuming man dressed in plain clothes, resembling a poor clerk or teacher.

Life on Pension Amidst Turmoil

Although the empire had crumbled, Zafar led a comfortable life thanks to a monthly pension of one lakh from the East India Company. However, the events of May 11, 1857, brought chaos into his life. On this day, rebellious Indian soldiers entered the Red Fort, hoping for the emperor's support. The scene was far from welcoming.

With no provisions available, a rebel soldier threatened the royal attendant, Mahboob Ali Khan, demanding food. Mahboob replied that they had nothing to offer. Hakim Ahsanullah Khan supported him, stating, 'The emperor himself has said we have no money. He is living like a beggar. We only have enough grain for the horses for a month. You can take that, but it might only last a day for all of you.'

Unprepared for Rebellion

The rebellious soldiers were unwilling to leave, and their numbers grew. Amidst the commotion in the Diwan-e-Khas, Zafar was compelled to appear before them. The soldiers declared they had come to seek refuge from the British and insisted, 'If you do not support us, we will take matters into our own hands.'

The court witnessed unprecedented scenes. The emperor was heard saying, 'Why is such disrespect being shown to an old man? The sun of our lives is setting. These are our final days. We seek only peace and solitude.' He expressed his helplessness, stating, 'We have no army, no weapons, and no treasury. How can we assist you?' The rebels were unyielding, insisting, 'We will fill your treasury with taxes. We only need your protection.'

The Last Mughal's Command

Reluctantly, the elderly emperor took command of the rebellion. After initial successes, the rebels faltered against the might of the British. Zafar grew despondent and left the Red Fort for the Nizamuddin shrine, his face drawn and beard covered in dust. When Gulam Hasan Chishti learned of his arrival, he found the emperor leaning against the shrine's door. Chishti inquired about his well-being, and despite the somber atmosphere, Zafar managed a smile, saying, 'I told you these unfortunate rebels are acting recklessly. They will drown themselves and take me with them. And so it has happened. They all fled. My ancestors faced tougher times but never lost hope. Yet, I see a bleak future ahead. There is no doubt I am the last Mughal on the throne. The light is about to extinguish. For hundreds of years, we ruled. Now it is time for others. It is alright; we too had displaced others to establish our reign.'

Zafar's Misfortune

The emperor possessed a small chest, which he entrusted to Gulam Hasan Chishti, saying, 'This is now your responsibility. It was a priceless gift received when Timur conquered Constantinople. Inside are five hairs from the beard of the Prophet, which have blessed our lineage. Now, I have no place on this earth. This is your trust now.' Zafar had not eaten for three days and asked Chishti to prepare something if possible. They had only gram flour bread and vinegar, which was served. After eating, the emperor drank some water.

Expressing gratitude, he set off for refuge at Humayun's tomb, where he was later arrested. He was presented as a prisoner in the very Red Fort from which generations of Mughals had ruled, where no one could sit without his permission, and faced trial. He was sentenced to exile, spending his final days in solitude in Rangoon, lamenting, 'How unfortunate is Zafar, not even two yards of land for burial in the beloved's lane.'