The legacy that Begum Samroo had left behind in Delhi still lives and Thrives. But it seems painfully disassociated and disconnected from its illustrious occupant.
The palace was inspired by her husbands' European roots and was built in the European style of architecture. It was the time when very few buildings in Delhi bore a non-native resemblance. In the grandness and opulence, it has only a few rivals. The palace had been the talk of the town. It is still an important landmark.
During the events of 1857, it housed a bank and had suffered great damage. Later it was repaired and housed Lloyd bank. As time passed by, the palace changed many hands. In the 1940s the house was sold to Lala Bhagirath Mal, and was renamed Bhagirath Palace.
Today the name Bhagirath Palace evokes an image of the congested and bustling market of Delhi. Like all the other markets in old Delhi, Bhagirath palace market is a busy place to be. The market today is spread in acres and is divided into many Katra and narrow street. A non-existing demarcation separates the entire marked basis the wares that are traded here.
It's divided amongst trading institutions dealing into electric and Electronics, Surgical and hospital equipment and the Allopathic medicine.
The old palace is standing in the centre overlooking oxygen cylinders, Stretchers, Boxes of Drugs and Chinese light.
A govt bank still operates its branch from one of its section, while the facade still bore Lloyd Bank proudly. And Begum Samroo or her name is nowhere to be seen.
Image - William Dalrymple