Did You Know Jordan's Royal Family Has An Indian Connection? The Story Of Princess Sarvath El Hassan from Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Jordan this week has put the spotlight on India's deepening ties with the Hashemite Kingdom. The visit is historic on multiple counts. It's the first by an Indian Prime Minister in this millennium and PM Modi's first full-fledged bilateral visit at the invitation of King Abdullah II, coming as both nations mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.But beyond diplomacy, India and Jordan share a far more personal connection, one rooted not in treaties but in family. Few know that Jordan’s royal household has an Indian link, embodied in Princess Sarvath El Hassan, born Sarvath Ikramullah in Calcutta in 1947. Long before she became a member of the Hashemite royal family, her story began in pre-Independence

India, adding another interesting dimension to the India–Jordan relationship.

Who Is Sarvath Ikramullah?

Sarvath Ikramullah was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) into the influential Suhrawardy family, a prominent Bengali Muslim lineage, in British-ruled India only weeks before partition. Born to Mohammed Ikramullah and Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah, both of her parents served in prominent positions in the Pakistani establishment, and they lived in Karachi. Her father served in the Indian Civil Service and later became Pakistan's first Foreign Secretary, while her mother was one of Pakistan's first female parliamentarians and an ambassador to Morocco.Raised across multiple countries during her parents' diplomatic postings, she later went on to study in the United Kingdom, most notably at the University of Cambridge.

Her marriage to Crown Prince of Jordon

In 1968, she married the then Crown Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan in Karachi. As the Crown Princess, she served as one of the highest-ranking ladies in the Kingdom of Jordan, supporting education, women’s issues, social welfare, and health.In 1999, just before his death, King Hussein appointed his son, the current King Abdullah, as his successor over his brother, Prince Hassan. Since then, Prince Hassan and Princess Sarvath have continued to hold a prominent role, and are regularly seen at European Royal events. Princess Sarvath and her husband continue to represent Jordan at international royal events. She is said to be very close to members of Foreign Royal Family. In 2013, she rode in the carriage of Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot. Princess Sarvath El Hassan is aksi known to wear saris on several public occasions, highlighting her link to her roots.

She received an honorary degree of Doctor of Education from the University of Bath in 2015 to mark her achievements as a longstanding and influential supporter of inspiring young people.The couple have four children.