SARDHANA
Built By: Begam Samru
Designed By: Anthony Reghelini
Total Cost for Building: 4 lakhs
19 kms. north-west of Meerut lies
the fascinating town of Sardhana with a romantic and historically
significant past. In the late 18th century, the french adventurer Walter
Reinhardt came to India and soon became popular as ‘Samru’. 
He received Sardhana from Najaf Khan of Delhi for successfully supporting
his troops and in 1773, the principality of Sardhana was formally
established. After his death in 1778, he was succeeded by his formidable
widow Begum Samru, who converted to Roman Catholic Faith in 1781.
The Roman Catholic Church she built in Sardhana is an imposing structure
that exhibits the subtle mixture of architectural styles. Designed by the
Italian architect Anthony Reghelini, this church cost Rs. 4 lakhs in 1822,
which was truly astronomical at that time. Two huge lakes near the church
are the result of the mud that was removed to supply the building
materials for the church
Facing the west, this church has its entrance from the north side. The
verandah is lined by 18 Doric pillars. At the back side rises two lofty
spires, and the steeple an the left has two large bells. The octagonal
lantern above the central dome is made up of finely chiselled and
perforated slates and capped with black and white marble. This reflects an
obvious Muslim architectural influence. On the top of the three domes and
two spires, there are heavily glided metal balls surmounted by metal
crosses.
The roof of the church is at different levels giving it a beauty all of
its own. The main Altar is of white marble brought from Jaipur. It is
tastefully inlaid with a floral design of semi precious stones. The altar
steps and santuary floor is of black and white marble. Above the niche is
the statue of Mother Mary to whom the church was dedicated.
On either side of the santuary there are two long wings- the left wing
has the famous monument over the tomb of the Begum. This eighteen feet
carrara marble monument consists of eleven life size figures and three
panels in bas-relief. Right on top, the Begum sits In state dressed in
Muslim style. Immediately below her stands four figures- David Dyce Samru,
Innayat-ullah, Diwan Rae Singh and Julius Ceasar Scotti Six symbolic
figures stand right below representing fearlessness, wisdom, fulfilment,
prosperity that prevailed during the tenure of the Begum. The beauty and
fame of the Sardhana church was enhanced when the sacred image of Lady of
Graces was enshrined in 1957. The church was further honoured when Pope
John XXIII designed to raise it to the dignity of Minor Basilica, in 1961.
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