Film Planned on Catholic Ruler in India

September 04, 2012: The real life-story of a Catholic ruler in northern India would be depicted on the silver screen. Bollywood director Tigmanshu Dhulia would portray the rags-to-riches story of Begum Samru, who was born a Muslim.

The warrior queen of Sardhana in Uttar Pradesh wielded significant political and social influence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries during the twilight years of Mughal rule. Her house Chandni Chowk area of New Delhi has turned into a bank and its adjoining area is the electrical goods market, Bhagirath Palace. Her palace in Gurgaon, built in Islamic style, had survived in a ruined state till about 2008. It has since disappeared, swallowed up by gradual encroachment.

Her presence could be felt in the Basilica of our Lady of Graces, the church dedicated to Mother Mary. It was built to ensure the queen’s name remains permanently etched in history. “Begum’s palaces here have been converted into schools, college and hostels. The church is at the centre of a fair that takes place every November,” said Father George of Sardhana.

The church, which was built in 19th century, had then cost her 400,000 rupees. The exquisite semi-precious stone work, life-like statues, verandah of 18 Greek columns, elevated altar with stained glass inner dome, two spires and three Roman domes, all add to the church’s grandeur. Samru wanted the church to be similar to the grand churches of Rome and employed an Italian architect Anthony Reghelini, who took 11 years to complete it. An 18-ft high edifice on the left of the sanctuary was carved by Italian sculptor Adamo Tadolini and sent by ship from Italy to Kolkata, transported on boats up the Ganga and to the church on bullock carts.

The church also has a letter written by the queen to Pope Gregory XVI, saing, “I am proud to say it (the church) is acknowledged to be the finest, without exception, in India.” She died in 1836 at the age of 85.

Fr. George said that the queen may not have imagined that the shrine she built would one day become one of the 19 minor basilicas of India. Her church was bestowed the status in 1961 by Pope John XXIII and is the only minor basilica in North India.