3887 - Begum Samru
Author: Amar Chitra Katha
Description: This illustrated comic presents the remarkable true story of Farzana—later known as Begum Samru. A teenage nautch girl in 18th-century Delhi, she married European mercenary Walter Reinhardt Sombre. After his death, she inherited his mercenary army and became the ruler of Sardhana, near Meerut. She commanded thousands of troops, led them into battle, and earned a reputation for political savvy and courage. Notably, she converted to Catholicism, founded the Basilica of Our Lady of Graces in Sardhana, and became Northern India’s only Catholic ruler . ⸻ Keywords: Begum Samru, Sardhana, nautch girl‑turned‑ruler, mercenary army, 18th‑19th century India, Catholic queen, warrior‑queen. ⸻ Ideal for: Young readers and history enthusiasts interested in forgotten figures of Indian history; those drawn to strong female protagonists; fans of biographical comics; and readers curious about military, religious, and social dynamics of late Mughal India. ⸻ Age: 10 years and up (engaging visuals and narrative make it suitable for children and teens) ⸻ Theme: Rise from obscurity to power, female leadership, military strategy, cultural and religious transformation, political acumen. ⸻ Tone: Adventurous, inspiring, narrative‑driven, and empowering, with a visual style that balances historical detail and accessible storytelling. ⸻ Book Type: Illustrated comic biography; historical graphic adaptation. ⸻ Length: Typically 32–36 pages.