Begum Samru of Sardhana remains one of the most extraordinary and unconventional figures in Indian history. Born as Zebunnisa, also known as Farzana, into a modest Muslim family in the early 18th century, her early life gave no hint of the remarkable destiny that awaited her. Beginning her career as a nautch girl in Delhi, she rose through intelligence, courage, and political acumen to become a sovereign ruler at a time when women—especially those of humble origins—rarely wielded power.
Her life took a decisive turn in 1765 when she met Walter Reinhardt Sombre, a European mercenary of uncertain origin,(his nativity is uncertain) popularly known as “Samru.” Reinhardt had served several Indian rulers, including Mir Qasim of Bengal, and was notorious for his alleged role in the Patna massacre of English captives. By the mid-1760s, he commanded his own disciplined mercenary force composed of Europeans and Indian soldiers, including Jats. Zebunnisa became his companion, confidante, and later his wife, adopting the name Begum Samru.
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| Begum Samru of Sardhana feminisminindia.com |
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| Begum Samru's palace studiodharma.in |
Above image: Construction of the palace was done under under Anthony Regehelni,a military officer who belonged to Vicenza and had joined the Begum at the recommendation of Charles Metcalfe.
The palace was completed in 1835, roughly a year before the Begum’s death. In 1897, it was auctioned by Begum Samru’s heirs whereby it was bought by the Archbishop of Agra and converted into a school........
Far from being a passive consort, Begum Samru quickly emerged as an able adviser and political intermediary. Her charm and diplomatic skills helped Reinhardt gain favour at the Mughal court during the turbulent reign of Shah Alam II. In recognition of his services, Reinhardt received the jagir of Sardhana near Meerut, yielding an impressive annual revenue. This grant transformed the couple from adventurers into landed elites, with Begum Samru playing a key role in managing both courtly relations and internal administration.
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| Samru's Palace, Chandni Chowk, Delhi,1857, en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Ruined Bhagirath Palace, Delhi. Begum Samru palace in Chandni Chowk was built in a garden gifted by ruler Akbar Shah of Mogul dynasty to the Begum when he ascended the throne after the death of Shah Alam. Ruined after Indian Rebellion of 1857 ...............
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| Catholic church in Sardana, UP.en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Inscription on the Statue of Begum Samru at the Basilica of Our Lady Of Graces in Sardhana, near Meerut city.
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| Begum Sambru's estate, Delhi occupied SBI) bank tripadvisor.com |
Above image: Begum's house in Chandni Chowk, Delhi,occupied by State Bank Of India Branch............
After Reinhardt’s death in 1778, Begum Samru assumed full control of the Sardhana estate. Despite facing opposition from sections of her army and neighbouring powers, she retained authority through firmness and strategic alliances. She commanded a force of about 4,000 well-trained troops led by European officers, making her one of the few Indian rulers of the period with a modern standing army. She also distinguished herself militarily, notably assisting Shah Alam II during crises and restoring him to the Mughal throne in 1788 after his blinding by Ghulam Qadir.
In 1781, Begum Samru embraced Roman Catholicism and was baptised as Joanna Nobilis Sombre. Her faith inspired her most enduring architectural legacy—the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces at Sardhana, built in 1822. Designed with European influences, including a Greek-style colonnade and an elevated altar, it remains one of the oldest Catholic churches in North India and the only minor basilica in the region.
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| Tomb of Begum Samru, Church of Sardhana, near Meerut. youtube.com |
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| tomb of Samru substack.com |
A benevolent administrator and generous patron of architecture, Begum Samru ruled until her death in January 1836 at the age of about ninety. The only Roman Catholic ruler in Indian history, she defied social conventions of gender, religion, and origin. Though much of her physical legacy has faded, her life stands as a po. Walter Sombre died in Agra on 4 May 1778. He was buried in the Agra churchyard. Regarded as the only Roman Catholic ruler in Indian history, it is a sad story, Begum Samru is almost forgotten in Delhi where she had political and social influence during the last phases of Mogul rule in India.
K. N. Jayaraman
