This lithograph, titled "Kudsia Begum", published by Hemchander Bhargava, portrays Qudsia Begum, also known as Udham Bai, the wife of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah and mother of Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. In this artwork, she is depicted wearing traditional Mughal attire, adorned with exquisite jewelry, and holding a sword in her right hand, set against a royal backdrop. Following Muhammad Shah's death in 1748, Qudsia Begum emerged as a significant political figure, effectively serving as the de facto regent during her son's reign from 1748 to 1754. During this period, she wielded considerable influence over the empire's governance, navigating both internal strife and external threats. Her tenure as regent concluded in 1754, and she passed away in 1768. Qudsia Begum is remembered for her leadership during a challenging era of Mughal decline.