Remembering Mah Laqa Chanda Bai April 7 is a historic day. India must commemorate today for today was the day Mah Laqa Chanda Bai was born. She was the first woman to have published a book of poems and was also the wealthiest woman of her time. However, Indian history barely has any mention of her. What an overlook! Closer home, it is only art enthusiasts who are familiar with the icon that Chanda Bai was. The rulers she served are world famous. It is the Nizams I am talking about. But the woman who was instrumental in guiding them in public policies or being alongside them at the battlefront is forgotten. It is surprising that a country like India which does not surpass names of people associated with wealth is also ignorant of Mah Laqa Chanda Bai’s existence. Born on April 7, 1768, Chanda Bai was raised by a courtesan mother. Following in the footsteps of her mother, she also became a courtesan in the Nizam’s court. Growing up she was offered the best trainers to tr...
