Sir Lepel Griffin (1881), Agent to the Governor-General in Central India, pointed out that Nawab Shahjahan Begum, because of her veil, was far removed from the people.
- The Begum quickly replied that she had had interviews with the Prince of Wales, Lord Lyton, Lord Ripon and Lord Dufferin while she was behind the purdah, but they never objected to her veil.
- She took strong objection to the fact that Griffin was the first British officer to object to her veil, that too without ascertaining the facts.