Begum Samru's Haveli: A Glimpse into Delhi's Mercenary Queen

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Discover the remnants of Begum Samru's 18th-century haveli in the heart of Chandni Chowk, a testament to a remarkable woman's legacy.

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Begum samru's haveli

Begum Samru's Haveli, located in the bustling Chandni Chowk, is a historical structure that once belonged to Begum Samru, a woman who rose from a dancing girl to a powerful political figure. Today, the haveli is a commercial building housing shops and a bank, but its storied past and architectural elements offer a glimpse into 18th-century Delhi.

A brief summary to Begum samru's haveli

New, Central, New Delhi, Delhi, Kaccha Bagh Area, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006, IN

Local tips

To find the Haveli, ask for the Surgical Market near Bhagirath Place in Chandni Chowk.
The Haveli is currently occupied by a branch of Central Bank of India.
Look for the Greek pillars at the entrance, a remnant of the original Haveli architecture.
Imagine the Haveli's past grandeur amidst the bustling commercial activity.

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Getting There

Walking

From the main Chandni Chowk road, head towards Bhagirath Palace, also known as the electrical market. Ask locals for directions to the Surgical Market, which is located within Bhagirath Palace. The Central Bank of India, housed within Begum Samru's Haveli, is near McDonald's on the main road. There are no specific fees for reaching the entrance.
Public Transport

Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk station. From the station, walk towards Bhagirath Palace/Surgical Market, asking locals for directions. Alternatively, DTC buses connect to Chandni Chowk. Alight at the Chandni Chowk bus stop and proceed towards the Surgical Market. The metro fare is approximately ₹10-₹27. Bus fares range from ₹5 to ₹25.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Delhi. From New Delhi Railway Station, a taxi to Chandni Chowk costs approximately ₹75-₹160 and takes around 15 minutes. Be aware of traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. Parking near Chandni Chowk is limited, so it's best to be dropped off near Bhagirath Palace and walk to the Haveli.

Discover more about Begum samru's haveli

Begum Samru's Haveli, nestled in the heart of Chandni Chowk, stands as a reminder of a remarkable woman and a bygone era. Originally built in 1806, the haveli was the residence of Begum Samru, a woman of humble origins who became a powerful figure in 18th-century India. Born Farzana, she rose from a dancing girl to lead a mercenary army and eventually rule the principality of Sardhana. The haveli's architecture reflected a blend of European and Mughal styles, with Greek pillars, stucco work, and Palladian windows. It was once a grand four-story structure with sprawling terraces and lush gardens with fountains. The palace hosted extravagant parties attended by both Mughals and British dignitaries. Over time, the haveli was sold and repurposed, serving as a bank and later a commercial space. Today, Begum Samru's Haveli is a shadow of its former self, with shops and businesses occupying the space. However, visitors can still appreciate the original architectural elements, such as the Greek pillars at the entrance and the stucco work in the central hall. A visit to Begum Samru's Haveli requires imagination, as it's easy to miss the historical landmark amidst the commercial chaos of Chandni Chowk.