Begum Samrus Palace

Introduction : Commonly known as the Bhagirath Palace and North India's biggest electrical goods wholesale market, Begum Samru's Palace was originally owned by a witty Kashmiri Muslim woman, Begum Samru. Born in 1753, Begum Samru pompously lived in this mammoth white mansion that was considered one of the grandest houses in Delhi with huge columns and large rooms. Such was her authority that Mughal Emperor Shah Alam called upon her trained private army when required. Begum Samru married an English mercenary soldier from Luxembourg named Walter Reinhard, who was lovingly called Sombre by his friends because of his long brooding face and thus the title Samru was derived and became locally popular. Description : Begum Samru's Palace, formerly known as Dilkusha Kothi, was built in 1822 by the Begum. A splendid flight of steps marks the palace, forming the entrance and extensive grounds. Covering an area of 75 acres, the palace now houses the St. Charles' College.