Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Queen Malika Kishwar’s Journey From Awadh to Paris
Malika Kishwar was the mother of Awadh’s last ruler, Wajid Ali Shah.
After the British took control of Awadh, she travelled from India to Britain to ask for the kingdom to be returned.
She went with family members and many attendants, despite the long and difficult journey.
Queen Victoria met her, but the appeals to Britain’s Parliament did not succeed.
Malika Kishwar later travelled to Paris while ill.
She died there in January 1858 and was buried in Pere-Lachaise Cemetery.
Much later, a descendant visited her grave to remember her courage and family history.
After Awadh was annexed in 1856, Malika Kishwar travelled to Britain to seek the restoration of her son’s kingdom.
She sailed from Calcutta on June 15, 1856, with two princes and about 70 attendants.
Queen Victoria received her at Buckingham Palace on July 4, 1857, but petitions to Parliament failed.
Malika Kishwar reached Paris on January 22, 1858, after British authorities initially withheld travel papers.
She died two days later and was buried at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery; the article’s author visited her grave to pay respects.
- Who
- Queen Malika Kishwar, mother of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
- What
- She travelled to Britain to appeal for the restoration of Awadh; her petitions failed, and she later died in Paris.
- When
- She sailed on June 15, 1856, met Queen Victoria on July 4, 1857, and died on January 24, 1858.
- Where
- Her journey began in Calcutta and took her to Britain and then Paris, where she was buried at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery.
- Why
- She sought to have Awadh restored to her son after the British annexed it.
Malika Kishwar’s Appeal
British Authorities’ Position
Restoration of Awadh
Malika Kishwar’s Appeal
Malika Kishwar sought the restoration of Awadh to her son through an appeal to Queen Victoria and petitions to Parliament.
British Authorities’ Position
The British authorities did not reverse the annexation; the House of Lords petition was rejected on a technical issue, and a Commons attempt also failed.
Travel papers
Malika Kishwar’s Appeal
Malika Kishwar wished to return to India via Mecca, making the pilgrimage part of her journey home.
British Authorities’ Position
British authorities initially refused the necessary papers; permission to leave Britain followed intervention by the French embassy.
- Role
- Mother of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh
- Departure
- Sailed from Calcutta aboard the SS Bengal on June 15, 1856
- Party
- Travelled with two princes and a retinue of 70 attendants
- Audience
- Received by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on July 4, 1857
- Parliamentary appeal
- A petition presented to the House of Lords on August 6, 1857, was rejected on a technical issue; a Commons effort also failed
- Arrival in Paris
- Reached Paris on January 22, 1858, with around 40 members of the delegation
- Burial
- Died two days after reaching Paris and was buried at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery