25th January, 2009 was an unexpectedly cold day. There was a lot of fog and cold wind. We were all ready to visit the Sardhana church near Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. All five of us - my parents, husband, sister and I were ready since 6:00 am in the morning, waiting for the taxi to arrive. We waited for about an hour and even after our repeated calls to the taxi wala, there was no sign of the taxi. We had almost cancelled our plans when the door bell rang. Finally! The taxi had arrived!! So off we went to see the church!
The Sardhana Church is located in Sardhana, about 85 kilometers from Delhi. In 1961, Pope John XXIII raised it to the dignity of Minor Basilica.
The church was built in by Begum Samru, the wife of Walter Reinhardt, a French adventurer. Walter Reinhardt came to India as a soldier in the French East India Company. Pleased by his excellent services, Najub Khan of Bengal awarded him the Jagir of Sardhana. After his death his wife, who was a Muslim, converted to Roman Catholic Faith and built the church. The beautiful church is dedicated to Mother Mary and costed 4 lakhs in 1822!
The life size marble figures and carved marble panels in the church are amazing. These are part of the marble monument that is made over Begum Samru’s tomb. On the top of the monument sits the Begum.
The Jagir of Sardhana was taken care of by the Begum after her husband’s death. She is regarded as the only Catholic ruler in India. The Sardhana church built by her is also known as Begum Samru’s church.
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