Women Entrepreneurs in Indian History: Begum Samru & Jibhabu
In a society that was predominantly patriarchal, two women, Begum Samru and Jibhabu, defied the norms and carved a niche for themselves in the world of entrepreneurship. Their stories are a testament to the fact that women have always been capable of achieving great things, even in the face of adversity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, they demonstrated remarkable financial expertise and strategic leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history.
Begum Samru: The Diplomat
Begum Samru, also known as Imhoff’s Begum, was a remarkable woman who ruled a 621-square km estate in Sardhana through her diplomatic skills. Born as Annemarie Probst in Germany, she was kidnapped by the French in 1756 and sold to the Begum of Awadh, who converted her to Islam and renamed her Begum Samru. She became the mistress of a British army officer, Walter Reinhardt Sombre, and later married him.
Begum Samru’s entrepreneurial journey began when she inherited her husband’s estate after his death in 1770. She was determined to maintain the estate’s prosperity and expanded its borders through shrewd diplomacy and strategic alliances. She negotiated with the British East India Company, the Maratha Empire, and the Mughal Empire to secure her territory and protect her interests.
Begum Samru’s diplomatic skills were unmatched, and she was able to maintain cordial relationships with the various powers that sought to control the region. She was a master of playing the British and the Marathas against each other, using her wit and charm to secure her position.
Jibhabu: The Negotiator
Jibhabu, born in the late 18th century, was a Gujarati woman who belonged to a family of landowners. Her family’s land revenue business was in danger of being taken over by the East India Company, which was expanding its territories in India. Jibhabu was determined to save her family’s business and negotiate a better deal with the company.
Jibhabu’s entrepreneurial journey began when she traveled to Bombay (now Mumbai) to negotiate with the East India Company. She was fluent in English and was well-versed in the company’s business practices. Using her knowledge and charm, she was able to secure a favorable agreement that protected her family’s interests.
Jibhabu’s success was not limited to her negotiation skills. She was also a shrewd businesswoman who expanded her family’s business by investing in new ventures. She diversified her portfolio by investing in agriculture, trade, and industry, and her family’s business flourished under her leadership.
Lessons from the Past
The stories of Begum Samru and Jibhabu are a testament to the fact that women have always been capable of achieving great things, even in the face of adversity. Their entrepreneurial journeys were marked by determination, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take risks.
Their stories also highlight the importance of education and skills in the pursuit of entrepreneurship. Both Begum Samru and Jibhabu were well-versed in the business practices of their respective eras, and their knowledge helped them to secure their positions.
Moreover, their stories demonstrate the importance of networking and building relationships in business. Begum Samru’s diplomatic skills were unmatched, and she was able to maintain cordial relationships with the various powers that sought to control the region. Jibhabu’s negotiation skills were also exceptional, and she was able to secure a favorable agreement with the East India Company.
Conclusion
The stories of Begum Samru and Jibhabu are a reminder that women have always been capable of achieving great things in the world of entrepreneurship. Their determination, strategic thinking, and willingness to take risks helped them to defy societal norms and leave a lasting impact on Indian history.
Their stories are also a testament to the importance of education, skills, and networking in the pursuit of entrepreneurship. They demonstrate that with the right combination of knowledge, skills, and relationships, women can achieve great things and leave a lasting legacy.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/business-stories/pioneering-women-entrepreneurs-history/
