After the revolution of 1857, the British’s grip on India became stronger, and the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was made alien to his own country. He neither got his Sultanate back nor two yards of land was destined in his homeland. On 29 March, the British rule deported him Rangoon (now Myanmar), where he had to live a life like a prisoner.
Incomplete desire to return to Delhi
Bahadur Shah Zafar’s last wish was that he breathed his last in Delhi and buried in the soil there. He pleaded with the British government for this, but his wish remained incomplete. His pain reflected in his poetry:
“How bad it is Zafar, two yards of land for burial were not found in Ku-e-Yaar.”
Revolution of 1857 and suppression of British
During the revolution of 1857, Indian soldiers and public considered Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leaders. However, when the British crushed the revolution, they arrested Bahadur Shah Zafar. He was prosecuted at the Red Fort in Delhi and was deported from the country.
Prisoner’s life in Rangoon
Bahadur Shah Zafar was sent to Rangoon, convicted of joining the revolution of 1857, where he was accompanied by his Begum and some other family members. There was neither Shano-Shaukat, nor respect in Rangoon. He was kept in a small house like a prisoner, and his last day passed in poverty and loneliness.
Anonymous grave and testimony of history
Bahadur Shah Zafar died on 7 November 1862 at the age of 87. The British quietly buried him so that his grave could not become an inspiration for revolution for Indians. His tomb was benami for many years, but later a tomb was built there, which still testifies to his tragedy and history.
The post after the revolution of 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar’s helplessness: Last breath in Rangoon away from the country first appeared on News India Live | Breaking India News, The Indian Headline, India Express News, Fast India News.
