4672) La Martiniere College, Lucknow will celebrate its upcoming Founder's Day on 13th September 2026 marking the 226th anniversary of the passing away of its founder, Major General Claude Martin (1735–1800):
This is the story of the life of Claude Martin, the Founder of La Martiniere Colleges in Lucknow, Calcutta (present day Kolkata) and Lyon, France in brief:
(I studied in La Martiniere College, Lucknow from 1970-75. I was in Lyons House)
Enlisting with the "French Compagnie de Indies":
- Coming from a modest background, his mother wished him all success in his military career and added that the next time she saw him, he should come back in a “liveried carriage - a symbol of French aristocracy” at that time.
- Little did she realise that by the time he had had a successful career, the French Revolution would break out and he would never be coming back home to Lyon, France.
- Immediately on arrival in the French Colony in Pondicherry he served under Governor General of French India Joseph Dupleix, and was deployed to fight against the East India Company in the Carnatic Wars (1752-56), and the Battle of Plassey (1757) when the French allied with Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula and the Battle of Pondichery (1761) but when the French lost their colony of Pondicherry in 1761, the English during negotiated settlements with the French saw his capabilities as a stateman/diplomat and encouraged him to join the Bengal Army of the East India Company.
By now he had grown in rank too and become a Cavalry Captain.
Joining the Bengal Army of British East India Company (BEIC):
- During post-war negotiations with the French, the British East India Company (BEIC) officials saw his capabilities as a tough negotiator/statesman/diplomat and encouraged him to join the Bengal Army of the BEIC, where he was given the rank of a cavalry major.
Association with the Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula:
- In 1776, he was sent to negotiate a deal with Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula (1748-1797), who was 13 years younger to him. He immediately became a trusted confidante of Asaf-ud-Daula, who saw in him a person, essential to off-set the East India Company's influence.
He immediately became a trusted confidante of Asaf-ud-Daula, who saw in him a person essential to off-set the growing influence of the BEIC.
- Now, as a diplomat, he walked the tightrope between the BEIC's aspirations/ambitions and the Nawab's apprehensions, with he did with admirable success, as he was trusted by both.
- He resided in Lucknow from 1776 until he passed away in 1800. It was the 'Reign of Terror' during the French Revolution that prevented him from returning home to Lyon "in a carriage".
He was a perfectionist and possessed a keen sense of observation and developed a plethora of interests in various fields.
- He became a great Surveyor, an Architect, Manufacturer of Cannon, Ammunition, bells and coins, even though he had no formal training in these areas.
- He experimented with Hot Air balloons, indigo plantations, and even had a banking system.
As a Surveyor:
When in the Service of the Bengal Army of the British East India Company, he surveyed and drew maps of several uncharted territories including Undwannala, Chunargarh, the River Teesta and Cooch Behar. His maps were accepted in the Bengal Atlas by the BEIC (British East India Company).
As a prominent member of the Awadh Aristocracy:
- He was treated as a prominent member of the Awadh Aristocracy.
- He became a great architect for Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh and together they designed many of Lucknow's historical buildings.
Some of the prominent buildings made by Claude Martin:
Constantia (La Martiniere College, Lucknow): Martin’s residence and tomb; French Baroque style.
(He named the building after his teenage love for a girl living in Lyon called “Constance” and named the building “Constantia” after her.
Constantia is described as a "wedding cake in brick", which was completed after he passed away.
Musa Bagh, Lucknow, Gomti River bank: Pleasure palace & garden complex; Indo-European design; later used as parade ground.
Farhat Baksh Kothi, Lucknow: Palace for Nawabs; European architectural elements.
Hayat Baksh Kothi, Lucknow: Another Nawabi palace built by Martin. This was the “Arsenal of the Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula” and presently the “Raj Bhavan Uttar Pradesh is a historic, magnificent building situated in the heart of Lucknow and is the official residence of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
This grand building, surrounded by lush green gardens and beautiful landscapes was built in 1798 by the French architect Major General Claude Martin.
The Raj Bhawan was originally called "Kothi Hayat Baksh" (or "Abode of the Gift of Life").
It was the residence of the British Governors of the United Provinces and later served as the residence of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh after India's Independence in 1947.
The Raj Bhavan is a unique building having Indo-European architecture that reflects the rich cultural history of the State. The construction of the building is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the architect – Claude Martin - and artisans who built it.
It is also known for its iconic features such as its grand walls adorned with beautiful carvings and integrated designs.
The Raj Bhavan has silently witnessed over 225 years of history of Awadh. This great building faced many ups and downs and played a very significant role in the Indian Freedom Struggle by providing a platform for political dialogue and protest against the British Raj.
The Raj Bhavan has nostalgic memories for me. We used to participate in the Flower shows at the National Botanical Gardens (NBRI) and the Governor's House and walked away with several prizes in cut flower exhibits, prize winning fruits etc, including Champion of the Show.
I used to give every one of our exhibits an abstract/exotic names (some of them related to Claude Martin’s life, which used to be carried in the local newspapers which the reporting journalists would try and interpret the "meaning" thereof in their own way.
Shish Mahal, Lucknow: Palace with mirror-work interiors.
Bibiapur Kothi Lucknow outskirts: Hunting lodge for Nawabs; European style.
Chattar Manzil, Asafi Kothi, Barowen were some of the other buildings that he constructed.
He built two buildings opposite the Lucknow Residency Which was set up in 1760).
However as the River Gomti changed its course, these buildings were completely submerged.
When I was studying in the Lucknow University, I tried to find traces of these buildings through reference books and discussions with Lucknow historians but could not meet with any success.
- His buildings are considered early Nawabi architecture landmarks, blending European grandeur with local traditions.
- Most of Martin's buildings were unique and were copied extensively by other designers keeping in mind their defense against military attack.
The last building which he completed as an architect was the Raj Bhawan at Lucknow in 1798 which celebrated its 225 Anniversary a couple of years ago. India Post brought oy a postage stamp on this grand building, with an elaborate mention of Martin in the Information Brochure.
A successful money lender:
- Claude Martin became a successful money lender and Banker. It is said that he was so kind-hearted that if anyone was not able to repay his loans, he would call his "Munims" (Accountants) and make them tear up the promissory notes.
He settled many of such persons in the village that Martinians know of as "Martin Purwa" and looked after their welfare.
Martin Purwa was set up by Claude Martin to settle the craftsmen and artisans who worked on embellishing his elegant buildings all over Lucknow.
An Art Connoisseur:
- He had a prized collection of over 650 paintings of birds and nature and a few of himself and his close friend Antoine-Louis Polier. He used the services of European painters like Rinaldi, Hodges and Zoffany, whenever they visited India, and he also had several paintings by local painters whom he encouraged to make exceptional paintings.
Most of his collection have got lost in the mists of time, but one has found its way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, while another is now exhibited in the British Library in London.
A "Coffee Table Book" titled "Lucknow Then and Now" - edited by Rosie Llewellyn Jones has the photographs taken by my family friend Ravi Kapoor, who has given me a complimentary copy for my personal library.
The Cover image is that of a painting depicting Col. Antoine-Louis Polier who was a close friend of Claude Martin enjoying a "nautch" at his house in Lucknow. It had been originally painted by Johann Zoffany.
- In 1973, when I was on the editorial board, I did a lot of research on Claude Martin for a post on him for the "Martiniere Post" (the College Bulletin).
As part of my research, I visited Martin Purwa (a village settled on the Martiniere Estate). The youngsters who swarmed me were very intrigued by my visit, when I told them that I was collecting some information on "Martin Saab".
I was ushered to a hutment, where I met an old gentleman, one of whose ancestors had worked on the furnishings and interior decorations of "Constantia" building.
He had an old original painting of "Martin Saab" which he was rather proud of. My interaction with the villagers revealed that quite a few of them were working as cooks, servants, gardeners etc and above all Lucknow Golf Club caddies.
The story of the three Cannon placed in front of the Steps:
When I was studying in La Martiniere College, Lucknow (1970-75) I had always wondered as to what were the three cannon from Seringapatnam in Karnataka doing in the open space above the steps.
These three cannon have featured in almost all the movies on the First War of Indian Independence fought in 1857 and almost every student at the College has one or more photo taken in front of the main cannon.
Later on, I learnt that these were the "spoils of war" given to the founder of the Martiniere institutions at Calcutta, Lucknow and Lyon, France - Major General Claude Martin (then made Honorary Colonel by Marquis Cornwallis the Commander-n-Chief of all East India Company forces of the then British India for takng part in the Third Anglo-Mysore War fought at Seringapatnam in 1792 against the forces of Tipu Sultan).
When we were travelling to Coorg in 2019, we made it a point to visit Seringapatnam, when we were passing through Mysore. Seringapatnam is located some 20 kilometres away from Mysore.
Marquis Cornwallis and Tipu Sultan were old adversaries from Hyder Ali's time. He was the Governor-General who led the army which besieged Seringapatam in 1792 during the Third Mysore War (1790-92).
Cornwallis was keen to
decisively defeat Tipu Sultan.
The usual component of the Bengal, Bombay and Madras East India Company armies was 50,000 European officers and 150,000 Indian soldiers. Cornwallis summoned Claude Martin from Lucknow to join his forces, so as to keep the French in control of Pondicherry away from the battle, who in any case were still finding a foothold in India.
Claude Martin was appointed as the ADC to Cornwallis in the siege/battle of Seringapatnam in 1792 against Tipu Sultan.
Some 40-50,000 Mysorean soldiers were pitted against and equal number of British soldiers.
Fierce battles were fought between Tipu's Army and the British, with neither side recording a decisive victory. Nevertheless, both Tipu and the British negotiated to end hostilities in 03/1792 through the Treaty of Seringapatnam.
Through the terms of the Treaty, Cornwallis received Tipu's sons as surety on the peace treaty that ended that war. These three cannons were given by Cornwallis to Claude Martin as "trophies of war".
Said Claude Martin after returning from the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1792) that - for a few ribbons on his uniform he had fought against his old friend Tipu Sultan, whom he knew personally, while he was employed under Governor General Dupleix of the French Colony at Pondicherry.
Distributing his fortune among the people of India:
- He amassed a huge fortune, mainly from the buildings that he constructed.
- In 1798, when Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula passed away, and a new Nawab – Saadat Ali Khan became the ruler of Avadh/Oudh, Martin spent the last days of his life in Constantia where he passed away.
His close friend, Antoine-Louis Polier left India to return to France, where he was stabbed to death during the French Revolution.
Martin never formally gave up his nationality as a Frenchman, but definitely intended to, towards the end of his life.
- Having lived in India, which had become his home, he left his wealth for the children and people of India. He was more of an Indian than a Frenchman.
- He wrote his will and set up several charities and gave all his servants pensions for life.
- He was almost entirely self-educated and realised the importance of a good education.
Martin's Legacy and Charitable nature:
He "owned" a lot of servants, both male and female (as was the practice in those days) - whom he freed and made provisions for their welfare/providence in his Will, after he passed away.
Claude Martin never married and he left no heirs.
He left the greater part of his wealth to several charities.
He was a self-made man, and he left a substantial legacy in the form of his writings, buildings and educational institutions that were founded posthumously.
Being almost entirely self-educated, he realised the value of a formal education and in his will, he set aside a large portion of his estate for the founding of schools at Calcutta (present day Kolkata), Lucknow and Lyon (France), the city of his birth, which are his most eloquent monuments.
- In fact there are now seven schools named after him - two in Lucknow, two in Kolkata and three in Lyon.
The residue of his estate after bequests had been made was to be used for the maintenance of these schools.
The La Martiniere Coat of Arms:
- He personally designed the La Martiniere Coat of Arms. He wanted it to be represented in the Colleges which were to come up later on so that his legacy will live on forever.
- The Coat of Arms is supported by seven flags, each bearing the design of a fish, taken from the Emblem of Oudh. (If you go to visit the “Imambaras” in old Lucknow, you will pass through a gateway titled – “Macchi Darwaza” where the Emblem of Oudh is engraved).
- The ship recalls his voyage to India, where he established his fortune.
- The lion with the pennant (in the centre) represents his career as an officer with the British East India Company (BEIC) and with the Nawab of Oudh.
- The setting sun behind the castellated building to the right of the shield points to the sunset of his days and the Constantia building which played a greater part in his later years.
- The Coat of Arms and the accompanying motto "Labore et Constantia" on a lemniscate/ribbon/scroll was written by him, after a lot of thought.
The motto is in French and represents his French roots.
It is also an inspirational message to future generations - that if one works hard towards one's goal, success is bound to follow, like in his case.
- The Coat of Arms and the motto are now shared by all the schools founded by Martin.
Sunset Days:
He spent the last days of his life in Constantia building, where he passed away.
He was laid to rest as per his instructions written in his Will.
The epitaph in the vault which Claude Martin's final resing place in Constantia reads -
"Arrived in India as a common soldier
and died at Lucknow on 13th September,
1800, as a Major General.
He is buried in this tomb.
Pray for his soul.”
If you ever go to Martin's last resting place in the Constantia building, you will feel a very positive energy pervading the room. It is as if he is blessing the young students and visitors from over two centuries ago and guiding you to follow his example and become a successful charitable man or woman.
The anniversary of Claude Matin's passing is remembered by Martiniere institutions as "Founder's Day".
Martinians all over the world get-together on this day and remember the bounty and the legacy of Claude Martin, who although was French by birth, was an Indian at heart.
A few gems from La
Martiniere history:
- The Constantia building is full of secet passageways. Every now and then Constantia gives up its "secrets" only to be walled up again, which makes it very exciting for future generations of Martinians to rediscover them again.
- During one such "discovery", we found an old wooden cupboard was retrieved in which were found a few copies of old Martiniere posts (the College Magazine) from 1912, in which was a photograph of Claude Martin dressed in Indian clothes looking very much like a "Nawab" himself.
- There was also a description of "Chhota/Bara Hazari" (the tea-time snacks given to boarders particularly on Sundays). This student had described that the biscuits were so tough (almost like rocks) that the students used to take pot-shots at flying kites, which used to hover around the College Mess. One such "missile" had brought down a kite.
Sixty years later, when we were in college the biscuits had remained as tough as ever. Nothing had changed!!!
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