Malcha Mahal is a historic building in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi. It is full of mystery and stories from the past and and is now known as a haunted place.
It was built in 1325 during the rule of Firoz Shah Tughlaq as a hunting lodge. Over time, this once-beautiful place has become known for its strange and sad history.
One of the most touching stories connected to Malcha Mahal is about Begum Wilayat Mahal, a woman who claimed to be from a royal family. Her life was full of struggle, as she fought to be recognized both during and after British rule in India.
Lets Uncover the hauntingly royal tale of Begum Wilayat Mahal
Who was Begum Wilayat Mahal?
Begum Wilayat Mahal claimed to be the great-granddaughter of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of the princely state of Awadh, which was annexed by the British in 1856. According to her, her family was displaced and never properly compensated or recognised. She believed she was a royal who had been forced to live in exile.
Life at Train Stations and a Fight for Recognition
In the 1970s, she gained attention by living for years in railway stations, first in Lucknow and then in New Delhi, with her two children, Prince Ali Raza (also known as Cyrus) and Princess Sakina and their pack of beloved dogs. She refused to live anywhere else, demanding proper royal treatment and recognition from the Indian government.
Eventually, the family was granted Malcha Mahal, a 14th-century hunting lodge located deep inside Delhi’s Ridge forest.
Malcha Mahal: A Royal Residence Turned Ruin
Malcha Mahal looked grand, but it was old and broken down. There was no electricity, no water, and no basic things needed for daily life. Still, Begum Wilayat chose to live there instead of living a life she thought was full of shame.
She and her children stayed alone and hardly ever went outside. She loved her dogs very much and she had more than twelve dogs. They were her friends, her protectors, and like family to her.
The Tragic End of Begum Wilayat
In 1993, Begum Wilayat ended her life by swallowing crushed diamonds, a symbol of royalty. Her children buried her inside Malcha Mahal and refused help from the government. They continued to live there alone, away from everyone.
Ali Raza passed away alone in 2017, and after that, Malcha Mahal was left empty.
Malcha Mahal after the death of its last occupant.https://t.co/85HDRr8qaA pic.twitter.com/BBVclngqrj
— JK (@JaskiratSB) November 8, 2017
Haunted Stories About Malcha Mahal
Today, Malcha Mahal is mostly empty and falling apart. The once-beautiful building is now a popular spot for people interested in ghosts and paranormal activity. Many visitors say the place feels strange, and they sometimes experience weird things inside the old walls.
Local stories say that the spirit spirits of Begum Wilayat and her family still haunt the area, making it even more mysterious for those brave enough to visit.
There are also signs outside the Mahal that warn visitors with scary messages: “Intruders shall be gunned down,” which adds to the frightening feeling of the place.
Are you brave enough to visit this place ?
Even though Malcha Mahal is falling apart, there is still something beautiful and interesting about it. For those brave enough to visit, Malcha Mahal offers a peek into a long-lost time, where history and mystery mix together.
Malcha Mahal is not just a place of royal history; it also shows the struggles of identity and heritage in today’s India. The sad story of Begum Wilayat Mahal is still important, reminding us of lost legacies and unresolved issues that still affect India’s history.
Take a look at this post to get a glimpse of this place
