An article by Swati Shastri Campbell
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On International Women’s Day, we honour the history of women who broke with social expectations and played important roles. Begum Samru is one such lady whose influence endures beyond her lifetime. Her life story is a testament to the strength, tenacity, and unwavering spirit of a leader who was ahead of her time. From modest origins, Begum Samru, who was born in 1765, became one of the most significant and potent women in India throughout the 18th century.
A Humble Beginning and Rise to Power
Begum Samru, originally named Shah Begum, was born into a poor family in the village of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Her early life was marked by the struggle typical of rural women in the 18th century. At the age of 15, she married a European mercenary, Walter Reinhardt, who served as a commander in the Mughal army. Reinhardt, a soldier of fortune from Europe, had led a group of European soldiers who fought for the Mughal Empire.
After her husband’s death in 1778, Begum Samru inherited his military forces. This was unprecedented for a woman of her time, especially in an era when women were rarely given the opportunity to wield power. However, her leadership was not limited to mere inheritance. She demonstrated an acute understanding of military tactics, diplomacy, and governance. Begum Samru successfully navigated the complex political landscape of North India, aligning herself with the Marathas, the British, and various regional powers.
She established herself as an influential force in the region and, by the early 1800s, controlled the strategically important town of Sardhana, located near Meerut, in the United Provinces (modern-day Uttar Pradesh). It was here that she built her legacy and made history not just through military success, but also by investing in the development of her territory and its people.
Basilica of Our Lady of Grace: A Symbol of Her Legacy
One of the most enduring symbols of Begum Samru’s power and influence is the Basilica of Our Lady of Grace in Sardhana, a magnificent church that still stands today as a testament to her legacy. Begum Samru, a woman of diverse cultural and religious inclinations, embraced Catholicism after her marriage to Reinhardt. She commissioned the church in Sardhana to honour her faith and as an expression of her personal devotion. The Sardhana Church was designed by the Italian architect Antonio Reghellini and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India.
The church, which was completed in 1822, features grand columns, frescoed ceilings, and a series of beautiful paintings that depict religious scenes. The altar houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, and the church is also home to numerous religious relics, which served to strengthen Begum Samru’s influence in the region.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Grace is not just a religious monument but also a symbol of Begum Samru’s power and vision. Her patronage of the church demonstrates her ability to blend military prowess with cultural and spiritual leadership. The church became an important religious centre for the local Catholic community and is still an active place of worship today, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across the world.
Breaking Barriers in Governance and Leadership
Begum Samru’s reign over Sardhana is remarkable not only for her political and military acumen but also for her governance. In an era dominated by men, she defied the traditional role women were expected to play in society. Through her leadership, she turned Sardhana into a flourishing town, known for its strategic military importance and economic prosperity. Her strong alliances with British officials, notably with Lord Lake, allowed her to maintain peace and stability in her region.
Her administration was known for its fairness, and she was particularly respected for her attempts to maintain the welfare of her people. She demonstrated not only intelligence in diplomacy and military strategy but also an empathetic approach to governance—qualities rarely associated with female rulers of her time.
Personal Life and Legacy
Begum Samru’s personal life was as unconventional as her public life. After Reinhardt’s death, she remarried in 1793 to a noble Muslim aristocrat, earning the title of Begum. This marriage cemented her status and helped strengthen her political position.
Despite being a woman in a male-dominated society, Begum Samru’s strength, political savvy, and military leadership transformed her into a powerful figure in 18th-century India. Her ability to rise from relative obscurity to become a queen-like ruler is a remarkable achievement, and her influence continues to inspire.
Today, she remains one of the most compelling examples of female leadership in India’s history. The Basilica of Our Lady of Grace, a legacy of her personal beliefs and her role as a cultural patron, stands as a testament to her vision and the enduring power of women in leadership roles.
An Empowering Legacy
Begum Samru’s extraordinary life and achievements continue to inspire not only women in India but around the world. Her remarkable rise to power, her strategic leadership in the military and political realms, and her unwavering devotion to her faith and people prove that women can excel in all spheres of influence. On this Women’s Day, we celebrate Begum Samru as a symbol of strength, courage, and determination.
Her legacy, from the bustling streets of Sardhana to the hallowed halls of the Basilica, reminds us that the courage to break boundaries and defy expectations is a gift that transcends time and gender. Begum Samru’s life serves as a powerful reminder that women, empowered by courage, can leave an indelible mark on history.
References:
Books:
- Duff, J. G. (1826). The history of the Marathas (Vol. 1). London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy.
- Keay, J. (2000). India: A history. New York: HarperCollins.
- Ray, P. (2012). The forgotten queens of India. New Delhi: Orient Blackswan.
- Haksar, N. (2006). Women and the Indian freedom struggle. New Delhi: Kali for Women.
Articles:
1. Chakraborty, A. (2021). Unwomanly woman: How some nineteenth-century British fictions imagined Begum Samru of Sardhana. The Transcript, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.53034/Transcript.2021.v01.n02.002
- Jones, A. W. (2023). From courtesan to king: The transformation of Begum Samru.Nidān: International Journal for Indian Studies, 5(1).https://hasp.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/journals/nidan/article/view/27180
Articles from Online Websites:
- The Indian Express. (2012, September 2). A queen’s magnificent church. The Indian Express. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/a-queens-magnificent-church/
- The Hindu. (2013, September 9). History is bunk at this Delhi palace. The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/history-is-bunk-at-this-delhi-palace/article5109073.ece
