Rajasthan: 17th century haveli in dire need of restoration

JAIPUR: A haveli situated near Ganga temple in Bharatpur, which was once the residence of German mercenary Walter Reinhardt Sombre, is now used as a school by the state government. The dilapidated 17th century heritage property is in dire need of restoration but remains neglected.
On World Heritage Day, TOI highlights the history of this forgotten heritage structure, which was home to Sombre, who worked for Maharaja of Bharatpur Jawahar Singh between 1767-1768 AD.With a glimpse of western architecture, this haveli is constructed on five-acre land granted by then Maharaja Jawahar Singh and is known as ‘Samru ji ki Haveli’. Sombre was born in Treves or Trier in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and was brought to India in 1754 AD, working as a private soldier for the French East India Company. He was later called ‘Samru’, a native corruption of the nickname given by his English counterparts.
The two-storey haveli used for residential purpose has colonial influence while the cusped arches, fluted columns, brackets, railings and ‘jalis’ were symptoms of Indian traditional architecture, as described by officials at state archaeology department.
Before working with the Maharaja of Bharatpur Jawahar Singh, Samru was commanding army of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal. Later, he developed his own unit of mercenaries including western and Indian soldiers which would fight for an adequate amount.
Sudha Singh, a researcher on ‘Samru’ from Bharatpur, said that for a period of 11 years, Samru and his unit worked closely with the Maharaja of Bharatpur. "The Haveli is a mark of his friendship with the ruler of Bharatpur. There were around 4,000 soldiers in his unit which were used by the Maharaja and later other rulers in the country. The haveli is one of the few European architectures of the state. At present, however, it needs urgent restoration or else in future its existence will be in danger," said Singh.
Recently, the district administration of Bharatpur sent a letter to Bharatpur division of state archaeology department asking permission to raze this haveli and construct a new building to run this government school.
Sohan Chaudhary, divisional head of state archaeology department, immediately warned the administration against this move. "This building is of historical importance to the state. We will soon make it a protected monument of the state and start the restoration work. The consideration is underway," clarified Chaudhary.
Samru died in Agra while trying to protect it against the Marathas in 1778 AD. He was laid to rest in the old Catholic Cemetery of Agra. A ‘chatari’ was erected over his grave which bears an inscription in Portuguese and Farsi.