Pakistan, Oct. 11 -- A few women of substance could make their way to power and authority in Indian History. Nawab Sikandar Begum (1818-1868) of Bhopal state is one such great reference who carved out an important niche for herself on account of her administrative genius, valour, pragmatism and a great reformative character. She also becomes the first female Muslim ruler to pen down a book on her observations and experiences of Hajj. She was bestowed knighthood by Queen Victoria, making her the first-ever female knight in India and second in the British Empire after Queen Victoria.

Her ascent to the throne seems predestined in a state founded by her great-grandfather, Dost Muhammad of Orakzai. While she was just a toddler, her Father die...