She had graciously bequeathed the 150-year-old Mubarak Manzil Palace of Malerkotla to the government.
Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa, the consort of the last Nawab of Malerkotla in Punjab, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours on 27 October. Her demise occurred slightly over two years after she graciously bequeathed the 150-year-old Mubarak Manzil Palace of Malerkotla to the government for the purpose of meticulous restoration, comprehensive renovation, and the noble task of preserving it as an invaluable historical monument. At the time of her passing, she had reached the impressive milestone of a century, having completed a full 100 years of a life rich with heritage and history.
The name Begum Nisa held a particular resonance in the region, as she was no ordinary royal, but rather a princess who was the rightful heir to the legacy of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla. Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan, a figure of profound significance in Punjab’s historical tapestry, is cherished for his unwavering stance against the unjust execution of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, in the presence of the Subedar of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, in the year 1705.
Arshad Dali, a former member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), shared with The Sunday Guardian the arrangements for Begum Nisa’s final journey. He verified her age, a remarkable 100 years, and also noted that she had been ailing for a considerable period leading up to her peaceful departure from this world. As Begum Nisa had no children and lacked a legal heir, it was decided that her nephew, Azeez Mian, would oversee the sombre but dignified proceedings.
In a poignant gesture that signified her deep commitment to the historical legacy, Begum Nisa, during the tenure of the former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in January 2021, bestowed upon the state of Punjab the remains of her cherished palace. She did so with the express intention of safeguarding its historical significance for future generations, allowing it to be lovingly restored to its original grandeur.
Recalling a poignant statement made by Begum Nisa in the past, she expressed, “My ultimate wish, if I may put it that way, is to witness this palace return to its former resplendent glory before my life’s journey concludes.”
Arshad Dali, serving as the intermediary between Begum Nisa and the government, worked tirelessly to ensure her heartfelt wish was fulfilled. The formal declaration of the palace’s transfer to government custody took place during that period. Regrettably, the restoration work encountered certain delays, a situation that had given rise to Begum Nisa’s apprehensions, fearing that, after her, the palace might fall into private hands. Presently, the palace stands under the stewardship of the government, representing a cherished historical gem for the people of Punjab, resonating with the memory of Nawab Sher Mohammad Sahib, who received a sword of honour from Guru Gobind Singh as a testament to his steadfast support for the Guru’s sons.
Notably, the palace, spanning a generous expanse of 32,400 square feet, was officially handed over to the tourism department. However, Begum Nisa had humbly requested the privilege of residing within the palace until her natural end, a request that the government graciously acceded to, while offering her an honorarium of Rs 3 crore. Legal entanglements surrounding the palace’s ownership and preservation are still being resolved, reflecting the palace’s deep historical significance and enduring importance.
Begum Nisa’s later years were marked by financial challenges, which necessitated the sale of valuable possessions from the palace. Notably, the former Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visited her during this period, offering gestures of support and goodwill, including the presentation of select pieces of furniture. This act of kindness underscored the enduring legacy and significance of the palace, the preservation of which remained a shared vision and commitment, both for Begum Nisa and the people of Punjab.