Women Entrepreneurs in Indian History: Begum Samru & Jibhabu
The history of India is filled with stories of brave and enterprising women who defied societal norms and achieved greatness in their respective fields. Two such women who left a lasting legacy in Indian history are Begum Samru and Jibhabu. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these women entrepreneurs ruled their domains with financial expertise and strategic leadership, paving the way for future generations of women to follow in their footsteps.
Begum Samru: The Ruler of Sardhana
Begum Samru, also known as Jeanne Marie Clémence de Lescaudron, was a French courtesan who rose to power in India during the 18th century. Born in 1753, she was a woman of great beauty and charm, who captured the heart of the Nawab of Sardhana, Shuja-ud-Daula. The Nawab was so smitten with her that he married her, and she became the Begum of Sardhana.
However, Begum Samru’s rise to power was not without its challenges. After the death of her husband in 1775, she found herself at the helm of a vast estate, which was in dire need of management. With the help of her French advisors, she set about rebuilding the estate, which spanned over 621 square kilometers. She used her diplomatic skills to negotiate with the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, and secured a treaty that granted her control over the estate.
Begum Samru’s leadership was marked by her shrewd business acumen and her ability to build alliances with local nobles and traders. She was a master strategist, who understood the importance of maintaining good relations with her neighbors and the British East India Company. Her diplomacy and negotiation skills helped her to maintain her power and influence, even in the face of opposition from rival factions.
Jibhabu of Gujarat: The Negotiator
Jibhabu, also known as Jhabarmal Shah, was a Gujarati businesswoman who lived in the 18th century. She was a member of the powerful Shah family, who were prominent merchants in the region. However, her family’s fortunes began to decline in the late 18th century, as the East India Company started to exert its influence over the region.
Jibhabu saw an opportunity to restore her family’s business and decided to negotiate with the East India Company. She traveled to Bombay, where she met with the Company’s officials and convinced them to grant her family’s business a concession. Her negotiation skills and business acumen helped her to secure a deal that restored her family’s land revenue business.
Jibhabu’s achievement was all the more remarkable, given the societal norms of the time. Women were expected to remain in the home and avoid public life, but Jibhabu defied these norms and became a successful entrepreneur in her own right. Her success also inspired other women in Gujarat to pursue their own business ventures, paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.
Lessons from Begum Samru and Jibhabu
The stories of Begum Samru and Jibhabu offer valuable lessons for women entrepreneurs today. Firstly, they demonstrate the importance of building alliances and maintaining good relations with others. Begum Samru’s diplomacy and negotiation skills helped her to maintain her power and influence, while Jibhabu’s ability to build relationships with the East India Company helped her to restore her family’s business.
Secondly, they show the importance of shrewd business acumen and strategic leadership. Begum Samru’s ability to manage her estate and build alliances helped her to maintain her power, while Jibhabu’s negotiation skills helped her to secure a concession from the East India Company.
Finally, they demonstrate the importance of defying societal norms and pursuing one’s goals with determination and perseverance. Begum Samru and Jibhabu both defied societal norms by pursuing careers in business and entrepreneurship, and their success inspired others to follow in their footsteps.
Conclusion
The stories of Begum Samru and Jibhabu are a testament to the power and resilience of women entrepreneurs in Indian history. Despite the challenges they faced, they defied societal norms and achieved greatness in their respective fields. Their stories offer valuable lessons for women entrepreneurs today, and serve as a reminder of the importance of building alliances, pursuing one’s goals with determination and perseverance, and defying societal norms.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/business-stories/pioneering-women-entrepreneurs-history/
