Agra's Oldest Colonial Catholic Cemetery Needs Restoration And Publicity. Will The Government Look In?

Colonial Catholic Cemetery, Agra .thewingedsandals.com

 Colonial Catholic Cemetery, Agra.architecturaldigest.in

Mrs. Sambru's tomb. evenfewergoats.blogspot.com

Christian tomb Red Taj, Agra ramaarya.blog

Above image: John William Hessing' s tomb. Colonial Catholic Cemetery, Agra

Colonial Catholic Cemetery, Agra Red Taj  alamy.com

tomb of Reinhardt evenfewergoats.blogspot.com

The Roman Catholic Cemetery in Agra of Uttar Pradesh, a treasure trove of historical  and cultural significance, representing one of the earliest Christian burial sites in India is a lesser known monument that needs publicity.  Established in 1550 in  Oudh (United Province then), the cemetery holds a unique place in historical Agra city' s rich landscape. It remains relatively unknown, overshadowed by the city’s iconic Mogul monuments like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Hidden behind a stone wall in a secluded area, the site is challenging to locate without prior knowledge, and even local taxi drivers are often unaware of its existence.

The British civil servant prepared a list of several European tombs with mausoleums or tombs differently styled.  Included in the list are Frances Elizabeth Ellen Halhed, an infant, buried behind the civil court in 1818; Maj-Gen. Sir J.W. Adams, buried in the cantonment gardens; and John Russel Colvin, buried in front of the Diwan-E-Aam of the Fort. One Maj. John Jacob, who was killed in the 1857 rebellion against the oppressive EIV rule and was buried in his own front lawn. The beautiful Mughal-style chhatri above his tomb stands to this day.

The cemetery's historical importance lies in its connection to early European settlers, traders, missionaries, and mercenaries who lived and died in India far away from their country of origin. They settled down in India as part of their chosen carriers which they pursued  with passion and dedication. This cemetery is a remainder of past era that was blended with multicultural influences of the time. 

Thomas Gray's poem.quoteslyfe.com

tomb, Francis Ellis w.thewingedsandals.com/

 

Above image Agra's Catholic Christian Cemetery. Mausoleum over the tomb of  English Man Francis Ellis (died in 1868) ......

The graves and tombs, with beautifully inscribed epitaphs, in a subtle manner remind of Thomas Gray's poem Elegy written in a Church Graveyard (1751) . '' Paths of Glory leads but to the grave''.  Their stories of adventure, fortune, and loss highlight the transient nature of life. The graves  are poignant reminders of the Europeans who came to India seeking prosperity but found their final resting place for their eternal sleep far from their homeland. The architectural styles of the tombs blend European and Indo-Mughal influences, making them unique artifacts of cross-cultural exchanges. In some tombs you can see epithets in Persian, Hindi and English. 

serene but poignant graveyard dreamtime.com

The oldest structure within the cemetery is Marty's Chapel, dating back to 1611, built during Mogul Emperor Akbar's reign. This chapel was constructed in honor  of Khoja Mortenepus, an Armenian merchant, reflecting the vital role played by the Armenian Christian community in Agra during the Mughal era. There are over 80 Armenian graves, each meticulously crafted, showcasing the influence of this community in trade and religion

The cemetery is also home to the remarkable Red Taj, a Mughal-style tomb built by Anne Hessing in memory of her husband, John William Hessing. A Dutch soldier, Hessing served the Marathas and was known for defending the Agra Fort.  One of the earliest Roman Catholic Cemetery,  you can notice the  chhatris on the corners of the structure that enhance the look of the tomb. 

Among other notable graves is that of Begum Samru, a unique figure in Indian history. Born a Muslim, Farzana when 14 years of age she married Walter Reinhardt,  European mercenary nicknamed Le Sombre, or Samru.  Converted to Christianity she  became the only Catholic ruler in India after her husband's death. She inherited vast land Sardhana  near Meerut city and a big army of 3000 soldiers. Both were patrons of the Mogul rule.  She took personal care to have a mausoleum built in memory of Reinhardt.

Reflecting diverse influence, this Roman Catholic Graveyard in Agra,it is sad that  it is being poorly managed. The monument with unique mausoleums of  varied designs and architectural expressions over the tombs makes it a compelling symbol of cultural fusion of two different worlds.

Will the ASI or the tourism department step in and restore the oldest grave back to its old glory?   States like West Bengal, Gujarat  and Kerala responding to historians and heritage lovers, started taking steps to restore European cemeteries more than a decade ago and they are covering graves one by one in consultation or help from respective countries

https://www.thewingedsandals.com/catholic-cemetery-agra-india

https://www.peepultree.world/livehistoryindia/story/monuments/the-red-taj-mahal

https://double-dolphin.blogspot.com/2018/01/agra-roman-catholic-cemetery-red-taj-mahal.html