Begum Samru
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Joanna Nobilis Sombre, popularly known as Begum Samru, a convert Catholic Christian started her career as a nautch (dancing) girl in 18th century India, and eventually became the ruler of Sardhana, a small principality near Meerut. She was the head of a professionally trained mercenary army, inherited from her European mercenary husband, Walter Reinhardt Sombre. This mercenary army consisted of Europeans and Indians. She is also regarded as the only Catholic ruler in India, as she ruled the principality of Sardhana in 18th- and 19th-century India.
Portrait of Begum Samru
Begum Samru's Household. Chester Beatty Library
Samru's Palace at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 1857, after Ghadar, Indian Rebellion of 1857
Inscription on the Statue of Begum Samru at the Basilica of Our Lady Of Graces in Sardhana
Meerut
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Meerut is a city in Meerut district of the western part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city lies 80 km (50 mi) northeast of the national capital New Delhi, within the National Capital Region and 480 km (300 mi) west of the state capital Lucknow.
Clockwise from Top: Martyr Memorial, Meerut Clock Tower, Mustafa Castle, Basilica of Our Lady of Graces
Fragment of the 6th Ashoka Pillar in sandstone, with inscription of Edicts of Ashoka, in Brahmi, originally from Meerut, now on display in the British Museum.
Main entrance to Kot Fort, Abdullapur built in the early 16th century
1857 Mutineers' Mosque